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A potentially worrying Ibrahima Konate update has emerged this week. Konate’s contract negotiations at Liverpool have been anything but smooth. Talks initially began back in October 2024, and more than a year later, the two parties remain at an impasse.
Real Madrid had long been considered the frontrunners for Konate’s signature should he depart on a free transfer this summer. The Spanish club initially placed both Konate and William Saliba at the top of their defensive wishlist, but after Saliba committed his future to Arsenal, the Liverpool man became their primary target.
However, in a stunning development, Madrid reached out directly to Liverpool to confirm they are no longer interested. According to David Ornstein back in November, the La Liga giants communicated “directly and unequivocally” that they have no intention of recruiting the France international.
With no extension agreed upon despite months of negotiations, the 26-year-old has already been free to sign a pre-contract agreement with non-English clubs since January 1st.
Now ESPN journalist Rodra has provided an update on the matter, claiming that Real Madrid initially pulled out due to Konate’s demands – but they could return should the Reds defender lower his contract demands:
“Real Madrid have identified signing a new center back as one of their objectives in the summer, he wrote.
“They are closely monitoring players whose contracts are expiring, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is one of them. His financial demands previously ruled Madrid out of the running, but if Konate lowers those, he could become an option again.”
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has all but confirmed that Konate is heading towards the exit door. He reported this week that new signing Jeremy Jacquet will not be arriving as a sqaud player but as someone who will make a difference immediatly.
That certainly feels like Jacquet could be a potential replacement for his compatriot at Anfield.