Liverpool's poor form in recent months has seen major speculation around the future of some key men at the club.
The Reds have lost nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, including a stunning 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in midweek, which has left many people wondering whether Arne Slot is the right man to take the club forward despite winning the Premier League title just six months ago.
However, there are several players who have been linked with a potential move away, but it now seems that one could be set to stay after a top contender for his signature withdrew from the race.
Real Madrid Not Interested in Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate hugs Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold
Ibrahima Konate has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield recently, with his current contract at the club set to expire in June 2026.
The France international has seen his form fall off a cliff since the club won the Premier League title, and many fans believe that he may have already checked out, despite Liverpool offering him a new contract to extend his stay.
But it has now emerged, via The Athletic's David Ornstein, that Spanish giants Real Madrid are no longer actively pursuing their interest in Konate, and they will not be signing him in 2026 either for a fee or on a free transfer, after informing Liverpool they have no interest in the player anymore.
Despite that, it is still unclear whether or not Konate will remain at Liverpool, with the parties still no closer to finding an agreement, and the 26-year-old is able to hold talks with foreign clubs from January 1st and potentially sign a pre-agreement to confirm a free transfer exit.
Liverpool Need a Decision ASAP
konate
Much of their 2024/25 season was dominated by the contract situations surrounding Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The latter eventually departed on a free transfer to Real Madrid, although they paid around €10m to make it happen slightly earlier, which left a sour taste in many mouths around Merseyside, while Van Dijk and Salah re-signed on new contracts. But those weren't confirmed until shortly before the season ended, and the doubts led to a lot of speculation.
Liverpool can't afford to have such a thing happen again, and with Konate, who has been described as 'world-class', in the prime of his career, losing him would be a major blow. If they don't get an answer on his future quickly, then a January transfer exit should be considered to ensure they get a fee and he can be replaced adequately.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate hugs Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Related
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