Real Madrid is set to make a move for Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool's contract talks falter.
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Real Madrid is ramping up efforts to snag Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is on the verge of entering the final year of his contract. The La Liga giants have already made headlines by signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Anfield for free, and they seem keen to replicate that success.
Contract negotiations in limbo
Despite ongoing discussions about a contract extension, Konate has yet to commit to new terms with Liverpool. This uncertainty has caught the eye of Real Madrid’s management, who have historically capitalized on players nearing the end of their contracts to avoid hefty transfer fees.
The recent acquisitions of superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger underline this strategy.
While Liverpool has put fresh terms on the table, the 27-year-old centre back’s future remains clouded in speculation. Reports suggest Liverpool’s hierarchy is anxious about the potential of losing another player to Real on a free, echoing the painful memories of past departures.
Real Madrid’s keen interest
Marca reports that Real Madrid’s sporting director and head coach are particularly interested in Konate as he is approaching his prime. The defender’s impressive performance last season, where he made 42 appearances and contributed two goals, further solidifies his value in the transfer market. His role was pivotal in Liverpool’s successful Premier League campaign, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite the swirling rumors linking him to the Bernabeu, Konate has attempted to quell speculation about his future. Recently, he took to social media to express his commitment to Liverpool, concluding his message with a promise: ‘Next season, we go again!’
Konate’s response to rumors
In a bid to clarify the situation, Konate described the rumors surrounding his contract negotiations as ‘completely fake.’ He emphasized that he never demanded anything from the club, and while they made him an offer, he is still contemplating his options. ‘The rest is completely fake. Even prominent journalists claimed I was close to signing in November, which wasn’t true at that time,’ he stated, expressing his frustration with the media narrative.
The future remains uncertain
As the clock ticks down on his current contract, the pressure is mounting for Konate to make a decision. With interest from both PSG and Real Madrid, the stakes are high. He moved to Anfield from RB Leipzig in a bargain deal worth £36 million in 2021, and now, as he approaches a pivotal moment in his career, the football world watches closely.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is reportedly also eyeing Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera for potential free transfers. The club’s strategy of securing players nearing the end of their contracts could reshape their squad in the coming seasons.
