Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has rejected a big-money approach to move to Saudi Arabia as he looks to secure a move to a European giant in the near future
02:19, 16 Jul 2025
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate is being eyed up by Real Madrid(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Liverpool's defender, Ibrahima Konate, has turned down a tempting offer from the Saudi Pro League, stating his desire to stay in Europe. The French international centre-back is now in the last year of his contract at Anfield and currently, there's no sign of him signing a new deal on Merseyside.
Talks with Liverpool have hit a stalemate in recent months and it's believed that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Konate for a free transfer, having recently snapped up Trent Alexander-Arnold from Arne Slot's champions.
However, the Mirror reports that an anonymous club from Saudi Arabia reached out to Konate through his agents last week, expressing interest in signing the former RB Leipzig star this summer.
Ibrahima Konate speaks during a France press conference
Ibrahima Konate was allegedly approached by a Saudi club(Image: Pau Barrena/UEFA)
But Konate declined the opportunity to enter negotiations, reiterating his commitment to remain in Europe where he wishes to continue playing at the top level.
If Konate had shown any willingness towards the move, the unnamed suitor would have been prepared to initiate talks with Liverpool over a potential deal.
Article continues below
Liverpool are keen to sort out Konate's ongoing contract drama but there's a growing feeling that the 26 year old might be holding out for a move to Real Madrid, and he would be free to engage with Los Blancos from January 1.
The Reds are open to bringing in another central defender before the transfer window closes, especially after recently offloading Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35million deal.
Liverpool's defence could use a bit of bolstering, with Wataru Endo seen as a potential backup alongside Joe Gomez, and Andy Robertson also filled in at left centre-back during the friendly victory over Preston.
Konate attended Jota's funeral with fellow LFC teammates
Konate attended Jota's funeral with fellow LFC teammates(Image: Getty Images)
Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace is on Liverpool's radar, and they have also been eyeing Ajax's Dutch U21 star Jorrel Hato. Whether Liverpool would entertain offers for Konate this summer - given his contract situation is still up in the air - is yet to be determined as no formal bids have come in for him yet.
For now, the champs seem to be focusing on signing a top-tier attacker, having made an enquiry for Newcastle's star player Alexander Isak.
The Magpies aren't keen to sell, but the Reds are also considering Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike if Newcastle don't cooperate.
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi looks set to stay at Crystal Palace for now(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe's team have already had a bid of up to £69m including add-ons turned down for the Frenchman, who they'd like to pair with Isak at St James' Park.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also knocked back an initial offer of up to £58.6m from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz.
The Colombian international is reportedly open to a move, but Liverpool want to hold onto him and believe Bayern's offer falls short of his market value.
Napoli have also shown interest in Darwin Nunez, who has also attracted attention from the Middle East, but so far, the Italians haven't met Liverpool's asking price.
Article continues below
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.