Ibrahima Konate
Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images
The Liverpool Echo has provided a fresh contract update on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate amid rumours of a release clause.
The French defender has been one of Liverpool’s most important players this season, playing 34 times for Arne Slot’s side despite missing about six weeks through injury in December.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old centre-back’s current contract with Liverpool runs until June 2026. He confirmed receiving an offer for a contract extension but has yet to commit his future to the club.
Speculation suggests that the defender may be waiting for decisions from key teammates, such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, before deciding whether to dedicate the prime years of his career to Anfield.
Liverpool’s management faces growing concerns over a recurring issue of allowing their star players to approach the final years of their contracts without resolution, especially with several top clubs interested in his services.
Widespread reports have consistently been linking Ibrahima Konate with a switch to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s interest in Konate forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen their central defensive options.
The Spanish and European champions are actively seeking new centre-backs, with several of their current defensive stalwarts either battling injury concerns or approaching the latter stages of their careers.
PSG are also another club linked with a move for Konate. ESPN came out with a report claiming that the Frenchman is keen on playing for the Parisian outfit, while PSG is likewise keen on bringing him to the Parc des Prince.
Earlier this week reports from Spain claimed that the 25-year-old has a £50.2m release clause in his current Liverpool contract.
However, the Liverpool Echo has provided an update on those claims.
“Report from the ECHO claims that subsequent claims Konate has a €60million release (£50.2m) clause in his contract are wide of the mark,” the report said.
“Liverpool remain eager to thrash out a new contract with Ibrahima Konate amid growing rumoured interest from Real Madrid.
“Liverpool are keen to avoid a repeat of the situation this season where Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all entered the final year of their deals and at present are set to leave on a free transfer in the summer.”
“Talks remain ongoing between the Reds and the respective parties over prospective new contracts, with Salah and Van Dijk having previously indicated their desire to stay at the club,” the report added.
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