Ibrahima Konate is yet to agree a new contract with Liverpool, and according to reports in Germany his agent is holding exploratory talks with three high-profile clubs.
Konate’s representatives remain in dialogue with Liverpool over an improved deal, with the Frenchman’s current terms set to expire at the end of the season.
But with no accord as of yet and clubs outside of England able to finalise a pre-contract agreement from January 1, it is only sensible that contact is being made with those interested.
According to German publication BILD, that includes Bayern Munich, who themselves are locked in a similar situation with Dayot Upamecano.
While Bayern’s priority is to tie Upamecano – Konate’s France teammate and former centre-back partner at RB Leipzig – to a new contract, if that is not possible they intend to target Liverpool’s No. 5.
Journalist Tobi Altschaffl further claims that Konate’s agent has held talks with both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid are known suitors and the player himself has discussed the possibility of returning to his hometown with a move to PSG.
“I was born in France and in Paris. I have six older brothers and six support PSG I think, or four or five at least,” he told RMC Sport last year.
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté celebrates after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg game between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“We watched a lot of matches together, they already took me back to the stadium before I went to the training ground.
“There is a little story with PSG but I made mine, where I played at Sochaux then Leipzig before Liverpool, so I’m happy.”
Meanwhile in February he admitted he was “flattered” by links to Real and PSG but insisted that he would “let his agents take care of the rest.”
Bayern’s interest in Konate
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Interest from Munich should come as no surprise, particularly given the situation around Upamecano as well as Bayern’s Kim Min-jae being touted with a winter exit.
Bayern are known to frequent the free agent market, with Eric Dier, Konrad Laimer, Raphael Guerreiro, Daley Blind and Noussair Mazraoui all arriving in recent seasons and Jonathan Tah brought in for a nominal fee ahead of the summer’s Club World Cup.
Konate is behind only Upamecano in terms of the most valuable players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the current campaign, with Transfermarkt valuing the pair at €55 million and €60 million respectively.
And if Upamecano were to depart the Allianz Arena, Konate resembles not only a like-for-like replacement in terms of playing style, but he is experienced in the Bundesliga, a year younger and considerably better.
That is, of course, why Liverpool will be eager to retain his services as well as recruiting Marc Guehi on a free in the summer.