Federico Chiesa could be given a spot in Liverpool's Champions League squad.placeholder image
Federico Chiesa could be given a spot in Liverpool's Champions League squad. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool have reportedly offered Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid before his contract expires in June
Liverpool are growing increasingly aware of the likelihood of Ibrahima Konate leaving the club for free this year. The centre-back is now into the final six months of his contract and there has been no indication of him penning a new deal to stay at Anfield.
Reports have claimed Konate has rejected three new contract proposals from Liverpool so far, suggesting he has his sights set on a move away from Merseyside.
Other names are also carrying doubt at Anfield right now. Joe Gomez almost signed for AC Milan over the summer, while exit links continue to shroud Federico Chiesa. The Italian international has been connected with a return to home soil, with Juventus making contact over a potential U-turn deal for their former player.
Liverpool offer Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with Konate in recent months and a fresh report has claimed the Reds are looking to push through a deal to avoid losing him for free in the summer.
According to Defensa Central, Liverpool have ‘offered’ Konate to Real Madrid for a €20 million (£17m) fee. Los Blancos were recently hit with an injury setback to Antonio Rudiger, which could open the door for Konate’s move to the Spanish capital.
Aware of the injury situation, Liverpool are seemingly dangling the carrot for Madrid to see if they take the opportunity to bolster their defensive line at this halfway point in the season.
Real Madrid are currently four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and were denied the Spanish Super Cup title at the weekend after their El Clasico rivals beat them 3-2.
However, despite Liverpool’s offer, Madrid are sticking to their plan of not signing any new players during the January window. Xabi Alonso and co are reportedly content with the current squad and the only transfer talk they will engage in will be summer business for the 2026/27 season.
Ibrahima Konate move to Real Madrid completely ruled out
Madrid ‘haven’t paid much attention’ to Liverpool’s reported offer and in the bigger picture, they are no longer targeting Konate full stop. A summer move for the centre-back has been ruled out, as Real Madrid have ‘backed out’ of discussions, despite the temptation that comes with him becoming a free agent.
The Spanish powerhouses reportedly feel Konate has been ‘too inconsistent’ with his recent performances for Liverpool. His mistakes created doubt in the minds of the decision makers at the club and they have since turned their attention to other centre-back options and ‘ruled out’ a move for the 26-year-old.
Liverpool remain active on the transfer market for a new centre-back, regardless of whether Konate stays at Anfield or not. Marc Guehi is still the Reds’ leading target after missing out signing him last summer.
The Premier League champions were denied a move for the Crystal Palace star in the twilight hours of the transfer window. The Eagles pulled the plug late on Deadline Day after failing to sign a replacement in time.
Guehi is expected to leave Selhurst Park this year, whether that’s for a fee this month or as a free agent in the summer.
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