Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a contract agreement with Ibrahima Konate after Real Madrid ruled out a move.
According to Team Talk, Liverpool are now optimistic about closing the contract renewal process with Ibrahima Konate after a massive boost in their pursuit. Real Madrid ruled out a move for the France international recently, which has improved the chances of Liverpool getting a deal done with the centre-back.
Liverpool were potentially staring at the prospect of losing another one of their key stars to Real Madrid, after Trent Alexander-Arnold joined them last summer. Ibrahima Konate is the man in question, with the defender’s current agreement expiring next summer, with a new contract nowhere in sight.
Liverpool are intent on extending his stay at Anfield, but widespread reports have insisted that Konate would have made the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid had been angling to sign the centre-back on a free transfer, and he’s not the only one on their list in that regard.
Real Madrid have since ruled out a move for Konate and informed Liverpool of their decision, as per widespread credible reports. The decision will have come as a blow for Konate, as per the story, which insists the defender was angling for a switch to the Bernabeu.
Now, Liverpool are more than optimistic about keeping the defender they signed in a £36 million deal from RB Leipzig back in 2021. The Reds are now reportedly closing in on pushing to get an agreement in place with the player and his camp to keep hold of the centre-back for the foreseeable future.
Why did Real Madrid move away from Ibrahima Konate?
The reports citing Real Madrid walking away from Konate’s pursuit may have shocked a few, but it is believed that the Spanish giants felt that other options are far better than the £36 million star. Incidentally, Real Madrid are looking at Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano as other options next summer, with those two defenders also moving towards being free agents.
As for Konate, the blow of Real Madrid moving away from the pursuit may not necessarily mean a stay at Liverpool, as there will be other high-profile teams keen on his signature. However, the Mersey siders might be the favourites to keep him as things stand, as only the future will make the decision of the £36 million star clear.