All the latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot gears up for the new Premier League season
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England
Ibrahima Konate ahead of Liverpool's clash against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield
(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister have shown their support for Ibrahima Konate, who has recently signed a lucrative new sponsorship deal. The Liverpool defender has recently entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, casting doubt over his future.
From January, foreign clubs will be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with Konate over a free transfer in the summer of 2026. Unless the France international pens an extension in the meantime, the Premier League champions will be forced to make a difficult decision.
Liverpool have to consider whether they would rather risk losing Konate for free or cut their losses and cash in before it's too late. In the meantime, the Frenchman has been building his brand and marketability.
Ahead of the Reds' clash against Bournemouth, Konate signed a deal to become an Under Armour athlete. As part of the agreement, the Liverpool centre-back will feature in the American sports company's new campaign, 'Be The Problem’, launching in the UK, France and Spain on August 15.
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"I'm proud to be representing Under Armour, a brand with a history deeply rooted in performance and innovation, that shares the same drive, mentality and values as me," said Konate, speaking to the Under Armour website.
"I am a big fan of the edge they are bringing in football, and I look forward to taking my career to the next level with them, both on and off the pitch."
Posing in Under Armour gear, Konate announced the deal on Instagram. The Liverpool defender wrote: "Being part of the Under Armour family is a huge honour.
"We share the same mentality, commitment to winning and relentless drive. Proud to wear the brand and inspire the next generation. On and off the pitch."
Van Dijk, Mac Allister and Hugo Ekitike, as well as a few other Liverpool players, showed their support for Konate by liking the post. Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger also liked the centre-back's post, fuelling speculation of a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid want to sign Konate when his contract at Anfield expires next summer. Los Blancos signed Trent Alexander-Arnold following the expiry of his deal at Liverpool back in June.
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The report claims Konate has already given Real Madrid the green light that he wants to join Xabi Alonso's side, whether it's this year or next. AS states that the Reds want to extend the Frenchman's contract in Merseyside, and they don't plan to sell him for a discounted fee.