Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has seen one of his transfer options, Real Madrid, fall away, ahead of his contract expiring at Anfield next summer.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has been the subject of heavy speculation surrounding his future on Merseyside, with a free transfer to Real touted as one of the stronger options. However, according to Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein from The Athletic, Real is not interested in signing Konate in 2026.
A transfer to Real next summer would have seen a second Reds star seal a blockbuster transfer to the Bernabeu in a second consecutive year, after academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold made the switch. The Athletic goes as far as to claim that Real told Liverpool "directly and unequivocally" it is not interested in signing Konate.
The France international remains one of Arne Slot's key players following last season's Premier League title win.
However, the Reds have faced significant challenges in their attempt to defend their crown, sitting 12th in the Premier League and suffering nine defeats in their last 12 outings across all competitions — the latest being a lifeless 4-1 home defeat to PSV in the Champions League.
During his time at Liverpool, Konate has made 150 appearances for the Reds, helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield, and two Carabao Cups. The defender was also part of the Liverpool team that reached the 2022 Champions League final, which was lost to Real Madrid in Paris.
Konate's Real Madrid dream is over
Konate's Real Madrid dream is over (Image: Getty Images)
Recognized for his performances, Konate won a spot in the French setup and has made 26 appearances for his country. He was part of the team that attempted to defend France's 2018 World Cup win against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, the French were defeated in an agonizing penalty shootout. Konate now faces the prospect of contesting next summer's 2026 World Cup in America, Canada, and Mexico, with his club future undecided — unless a resolution is found in January or before the end of the season.
Liverpool.com identifies three options for Konate after Real pulled out of the race for his signature.
Signs new Liverpool contract
The defender could decide to stay put at Liverpool and be a cornerstone of the club's revival next season.
The Reds are currently uncompetitive on all fronts, including the Premier League and the Champions League, and have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Konate may still stay at Liverpool
Konate may still stay at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Slot's new signings — Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Milos Kerkez — are yet to get up to speed, and the defense is leaking goals. With Virgil van Dijk aging, Konate could be next in line to be the Reds' leading man at the back.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich has been another team linked with signing Konate next summer. It would prove to be another savvy business move by Bayern, who look likely to win a second consecutive title by the end of the season.
It's a league with which Konate is also familiar. He spent four seasons at RB Leipzig before joining Liverpool.
Paris Saint-Germain
Born in France, Konate could decide to return to his home city and play for Paris Saint-Germain. As a teenager, Konate played for PSG's city rival, Paris FC, a team that is now competing in the top flight.
PSG would have the funds to facilitate a tempting contract for Konate. The club's captain, Marquinhos, is also 31, and Konate could be a strong veteran presence in an otherwise young central defender core.