Liverpool could be about to face a new problem in Ibrahima Konate’s contract saga amid claims Real Madrid could make an early move for the defender.
Konate’s future has become a major concern at Anfield, with the 26-year-old now in the final year of his contract with the Reds. With talks over a new deal seemingly not going to plan so far, there are fears that the French international could follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by making the move to Madrid when his contract expires.
Reports in Spain though are now suggesting that Real could even strike this summer for Konate, amid concerns over their own defensive options.
According to AS (via Sport Witness), Konate is a “real option” for Xabi Alonso’s side this summer, despite Real having already signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
With David Alaba seemingly on his way out of the club, and amid concerns over Eder Militao’s fitness, it’s suggested that the Spanish giant is considering signing another central defender, with Konate seen as the main target.
It’s also claimed that Konate is dreaming of a move to the Bernabeu, and has no plans to sign a new deal at Anfield, with Liverpool already aware of the situation.
Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid could make a move for Ibrahima Konate this summer
Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid could make a move for Ibrahima Konate this summer (Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Were the Reds to offload Konate this summer though, that would leave boss Arne Slot with very little options at the back for next season, having already sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez would be left as the only senior options in the squad, although there has been speculation over a potential move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Recent reports have suggested that Konate has already given the green light to a move to Madrid as talks over a new contract at Anfield look to have stalled.
Addressing speculation over his future earlier this year, Konate said: "You know, I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake," Konate said, responding to more speculation over his future. "I didn't even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it.
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"The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end... I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: 'Ah, they have more information than me!?'
"It was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen."
Liverpool.com says: If Konate has no plans of signing a new deal at Anfield, that leaves Liverpool in a very delicate position. The Reds already need to sign a new defender this summer, and this situation might leave them needing two.
That's certainly not ideal considering a new No.9 is also needed, so Liverpool might find itself playing another waiting game just like it did with Alexander-Arnold last season.