Liverpool Confident Over New Konaté Contract Amid Real Madrid Interest
Liverpool are growing increasingly optimistic about securing Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term future at Anfield, with discussions over a new contract progressing positively despite growing external interest.
Contract talks gather momentum
The French international’s current deal, signed upon his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021, runs into its final months, prompting Liverpool to act decisively. Sources close to negotiations suggest the club’s hierarchy has already tabled a formal proposal to Konaté’s representatives, reflecting a clear intent to tie the 26-year-old down well beyond 2026.
Konaté’s camp is understood to be carefully reviewing the terms, which include an improved wage structure and performance-related incentives. The player remains settled in Merseyside, and early indications point towards mutual optimism over an agreement. The feeling within the club mirrors previous successful renewals, including those of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, whose extensions were finalised under similar scrutiny.
Slot’s belief in Konaté’s importance
Head coach Arne Slot has reportedly made it clear to Liverpool’s hierarchy that Konaté remains a vital component of his defensive structure. The France international’s blend of pace, strength, and composure aligns closely with Slot’s preference for high defensive lines and transitional control.
While Konaté’s season has included flashes of inconsistency, his underlying performances continue to earn trust. Slot’s tactical system places significant demands on centre-backs, and Konaté’s ability to recover in space, as well as his composure in one-on-one duels, makes him indispensable. Internally, there’s recognition that continuity at the back is crucial for Liverpool’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Madrid monitoring developments
Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation closely, viewing Konaté as a potential successor to their ageing central defenders. The Spanish giants have long admired his physical profile and Champions League pedigree. However, Liverpool are confident that both the player’s loyalty and his prominent role at Anfield will outweigh any temptation to move abroad.
Club insiders insist that Konaté remains fully focused on the Reds’ season objectives, with the upcoming winter fixtures likely to test the squad’s depth. His strong bond with Van Dijk, along with a belief in Slot’s project, is understood to be central to his willingness to commit long-term.
Confidence growing at Anfield
Behind the scenes, Liverpool’s executives are calm and collected. There is an appreciation for Konaté’s development trajectory and his leadership potential within the next generation of Liverpool defenders. The club see him not only as a cornerstone of the current backline but also as a future leader — particularly as Van Dijk approaches the later stages of his career.
Negotiations are expected to progress quietly over the coming weeks, with all parties aiming to reach an agreement before the end of the season. Given Liverpool’s structured approach to renewals and Konaté’s contentment within the squad, there is growing belief that he will extend his stay at Anfield.
