Liverpool will be relieved to learn that Real Madrid is ending its interest in Ibrahima Konate. The reason, however, might not fill Arne Slot with quite as much joy.
As it stands, Konate is into the final year of his deal at Anfield. That situation was particularly alarming in light of links to Real Madrid, just months after Trent Alexander-Arnold made the same move on a free transfer (albeit with limited success so far).
But while Richard Hughes still has work to do in order to extend Konate's deal, the threat from the Spanish giant appears reduced. It's thought that Xabi Alonso's side is not pursuing a move for the French international.
Clearly, this is good news. Liverpool would not want to lose half of its backline to Real Madrid for nothing in the space of a year, with 26-year-old Konate a big part of the plan for the future.
That being said, the reason for Real Madrid's decision is far from ideal. According to Football Insider, who have spoken to former scout Mick Brown, interest from the Bernabeu has waned as a direct result of Konate's poor form.
"The good side of him is very good, but there is that weakness there where he’s prone to throwing a game away by letting something slip. That’s why Liverpool have had doubts, and it’s the reason Real Madrid have pulled out," explained Brown.
"It didn’t surprise me at all to hear that, I know they’ll have been watching him so far this season and have decided they need somebody more consistent and reliable. I think those question marks around him have become a bit too much."
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool looks dejected during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on November 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Konate has had a testing season for Liverpool so far. (Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
If a relatively brief dip in form is the price Liverpool has to pay for a long-term commitment from Konate, then it might ultimately consider that a price worth paying. The concern is that Real Madrid's worries about the defender ultimately play out at Anfield.
Konate was a reliable presence for Slot in the title-winning campaign. But he has never instilled quite as much confidence alongside Virgil van Dijk as Joel Matip or indeed Joe Gomez produced in the peak years under Jurgen Klopp.
It's important not to rewrite history, and there have certainly been times when Konate has looked like a potential world-beater in his position. But potential is the key word, and it's a word that loses some of its value as the clock continues to tick.
Regardless of Real Madrid's decision, he needs to come good on this potential in order to represent a good investment for Liverpool. The version of Konate we have seen this season has simply not warranted a new contract, regardless of any interest from elsewhere.
But perhaps this latest development will draw a line under the saga for everybody. Only Konate will know if he has had his head turned, but a lack of distractions won't hurt anyone.
If he can knuckle down and prove anew that he is the future of Liverpool's defense, then he will get a new deal that reflects his importance. And eventually replacing Van Dijk as the leader of the champions' back line is no bad gig, if he is ready to sign up for it.
Should that happen, this whole Real Madrid dalliance will be little more than a footnote. For the moment, however, the Spaniards' concerns about Konate are very much shared at Anfield, even if a transfer is off the cards.