Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid this summer is quite a huge shock for Liverpool. Liverpool might face a similar scenario again next year. The club could be at risk of more key departures if they don’t handle the contract situations properly. It’s a growing concern for the Reds as they look to rebuild and stay competitive at the top level.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Anfield after the end of his tenure. However, a transfer to Real Madrid is imminent and may happen quite early. The Spanish giants have been negotiating with Liverpool, aiming to sign the right-back in time for the Club World Cup.
As long as there is no ultimatum in sight, Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently on track to leave Liverpool as a free agent. This uncertainty leaves the club vulnerable to losing a key player without any financial return. Fortunately for Liverpool, they managed to avoid a major crisis earlier this summer. Both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah gave assurance to the Reds by signing new two-year contracts last month. Their extensions were a significant relief for Liverpool and helped maintain some stability within the squad.
However, the cycle of contract uncertainty appears to be starting all over again. This time, it involves another crucial player. Ibrahima Konate’s current deal is due to expire in just over a year, putting Liverpool in a familiar and potentially risky situation. What’s more concerning for supporters is the growing speculation around his future. The French centre-back is also under the radar of Real Madrid. Thus, adding to the anxiety among the fans about a very vital departure.
Liverpool to face yet another loss in the coming future
As per reports from Spanish publication Marca, Real Madrid is once again implementing a familiar strategy. The club is allegedly keeping a close eye on another Liverpool player, hoping he will allow his contract to run down. This would enable Madrid to barge in and sign him on a free transfer, the same procedure they carried on to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The tactic appears to be part of a broader effort to secure top-tier talent without spending much. Thus basically a smart buy.
Lately, the situation surrounding Konate’s contract has appeared far from encouraging. Liverpool’s efforts to secure the 25-year-old on a new long-term deal seem to have hit a standstill. Negotiations are not going anywhere, largely due to Konate’s demands for a salary that reflects his status. He believes he ranks among the Premier League’s top defenders and wants his wages as per his performance. This situation has only fueled speculation about his future, especially with clubs like Real Madrid showing interest.
🚨 Ibrahima Konate's desire to become one of Liverpool's top earners has created a significant issue in his new contract talks, which expires next summer.
The defender could be sold if no progress is made on a new deal.
(Source: @TBRFootball) pic.twitter.com/NiQQ14BvbV
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 9, 2025
Similar to Konate, Arsenal defender William Saliba has also been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid. If Saliba ends up signing a new deal with the Gunners, it could shift Madrid’s focus entirely onto Ibrahima Konaté. The Spanish giants are famous for their persistence when targeting players, and recent examples suggest that their interest can be incredibly demanding. As seen in the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold, once Real Madrid expresses genuine interest, it becomes increasingly difficult for any player to resist the allure of joining the iconic club.
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