Real Madrid have been closely linked with Ibrahima Konate, but the club have informed Liverpool that they do not want to sign the defender, whose contract expires in the summer.
Real Madrid have revealed to Liverpool that they considered signing Ibrahima Konate but have decided against targeting the defender.
The Frenchman’s contract expires next summer and, as things stand, he will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. Since the start of the campaign, there has been talk of Konate heading to pastures new after five years at Anfield.
Real were touted as his favorite destination, with a pre-contract agreement potentially possible as early as January 1. However, The Athletic reports that the Spanish giants have made it clear to the Reds that they have no intention of signing Konate.
The 26-year-old has been in talks about his future at Anfield, but as things stand, nothing has been agreed yet. Liverpool allowed the contracts of a number of key players to run until midnight last year, but ended up losing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back joined the Bernabéu on a free transfer from Real and has exploited the market brilliantly over the past few seasons. They acquired Kylian Mbappé, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger for free in order to improve their standing.
read more: Jurgen Klopp is ‘hovering over Anfield’ as Arne Slott receives bomb warning for Liverpoolread more: Liverpool’s biggest target to replace Arne Slott after Jurgen Klopp’s shock twist
Liverpool tried to sign Marc Guehi in the summer but failed in a last-ditch effort. They had been chasing the Crystal Palace defender, but the Eagles ultimately decided not to sell him later in the day, even though his contract also expires next summer. He has not announced any intention to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.
The Reds remain linked with the England defender and could well make another move, which could have an impact on Konate’s future. A centre-half who is attracting a lot of attention is expected to be available for free this summer. PSG are tracking his situation, but the other player is Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.
The German giants could consider Konate as Upamecano’s replacement. Konate first came to the attention of Europe’s top teams in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.
During a difficult season for Liverpool, the French defender has responded to criticism amid suggestions that uncertainty about his future is affecting his performances. He made another mistake that led to a goal on Wednesday as the Reds lost again.
CBS Sports’ Jamie Carragher claimed Arne Slott had committed a “dismissal-worthy offense” by continuing to play for Konate despite his decline in form.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
