Liverpool already have to be wary of an exit for centre-back Ibrahima Konate, according to Fabrizio Romano - despite the transfer window only coming to an end on Monday.
The Reds' unbelievable transfer window has finally come to a close, with fans finally set to see Arne Slot's jigsaw puzzle of players work together to retain the Premier League trophy after breaking the British transfer record twice in one window. But GIVEMESPORT transfer correspondent Romano has still given them reason to be wary in coming months amid Konate's contract situation, which is expiring at the end of next season.
Romano: Konate Talks 'Ongoing', No Agreement Yet
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate
Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Hugo Ekitike are the club's first-team signings, as well as youngsters Giovanni Leoni, Will Wright and Armin Pecsi, who join alongside backup stopper Freddie Woodman.
But despite the feel-good factor at Anfield, club chiefs must be wary heading into the current campaign - with Romano stating that Konate's contract situation is still not nearing an agreement despite talks, which could lead Spanish giants Real Madrid into making a move for his services on a free transfer. Romano said on his YouTube channel:
"So Liverpool, there are still conversations ongoing over the new contract between Konate and Liverpool, but [there is] no agreement at this stage.
"It's not something easy. That story was really with many different moments. In October and November last year, it was quite close, the contract extension verbally was very close, just with some final clauses.
"Then it changed the game around December and January. New discussions on the contract and no agreement. We've spent the last six, eight, nine months with no agreement between the parties.
"What about Real Madrid? Konate, for sure, is on the list of Real Madrid. For sure, he is one of the players they like, and for sure he is one of the players that they would like to bring in in 2026.
"But this will only happen if Konate doesn't extend his contract at Liverpool."
The La Liga side completed a similar move this summer, stealing homegrown academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold from the Reds after his contract had expired - and so Merseyside chiefs will be keen to avoid a similar scenario playing out next summer for the former RB Leipzig star.
Konate has made 136 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring five goals in the process after joining in the summer of 2021.
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