Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate could be available on a free transfer next summer, having entered the final year of his contract.
The centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, who famously signed Trent Alexander-Arnold from the Reds on a free transfer when his contract expired in the summer.
Kylian Mbappe is another high-profile player who arrived at the Bernabéu on a free transfer in recent years, and Los Blancos now reportedly have Konate on their radar.
Last year, Liverpool frequently faced questions over player contracts.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extended their deals later in the season, while Alexander-Arnold ultimately confirmed he would be leaving for pastures new.
Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, has made 148 appearances for the club.
Despite this, he has faced criticism for his performances, fueling speculation that his focus may be on a future move.
Manager Arne Slot has defended the Frenchman, emphasising that he is not the only player to experience dips in form.
Slot said: “If you are losing a game of football, then it doesn’t help if you lose the ball too many times, too easily.
“He’s [Konate] been one of them, but he’s definitely not the only one.
“If you then lose a game of football there is so much focus on that one moment, that suddenly your 90 minutes have been very, very poor.
“That’s just not the way I analyse the game. In the last two games, it’s been obvious and clear that we’ve made a few errors, not just him [Konate] but others, that we’re not used to.”
Konate is among some Liverpool players who will be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with clubs outside England.
The France international has been offered a new deal, but negotiations have yet to make significant progress.
According to Sky Sports News, “Real Madrid want to sign the Liverpool centre-back for free next summer.”
However, a January exit for the centre-back is considered unlikely.
This season, Konate has made 16 appearances and scored one goal for the Premier League champions across all competitions.
Read more: Which Liverpool players are free to negotiate a transfer with foreign clubs in January 2026?
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