Ibrahim Konate makes the ‘final decision’ to leave Anfield with Los Blancos his preferred destination.
In a devastating blow to Liverpool’s defensive plans, Ibrahim Konate has reportedly rejected multiple contract extension offers from the club and has made his “final decision” to leave Anfield, with Real Madrid emerging as his preferred destination.
A French report has claimed that the defender has made up his mind to leave Liverpool at the end of next season, setting up what could be another high-profile free transfer departure for the Merseyside club.
The situation has reached a critical point, with Konate having rejected up to two offers from Liverpool to renew his contract. The primary sticking point appears to be financial, with the defender’s current weekly wage at £80,000 – a figure dwarfed by the £200,000 Konaté is allegedly seeking in basic pay.
Ibrahima Konate is reportedly stalling on signing a new Liverpool contract as he nears the final 12 months of his deal, creating an increasingly precarious situation for the Reds’ defensive stability.
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Real Madrid’s Strategic Interest
Real Madrid’s interest in Konate follows their established pattern of targeting high-profile players in the final year of their contracts. According to Spanish publication Marca, Madrid are eyeing a move for Konate in the summer of 2026. The Frenchman’s current Liverpool deal expires at that point, and the La Liga giants will wait until nearer that time to sign him on a free transfer, as they love to do.
Reports in Spain suggest Ibrahima Konate could follow the same path as Alexander-Arnold, with Real Madrid waiting for a Liverpool player to run down his contract so that they can sign him for free.
Player’s Preference Clear
The most damaging aspect for Liverpool is the growing evidence of Konate’s preference for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. French outlet Foot Mercato claims that the 26-year-old has made his mind up, and wants to leave Liverpool at the end of his current contract.
Real Madrid could be ready to try a move to sign Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate this summer after he rejected a new contract proposal from the Reds, with sources suggesting the player’s representatives have been in contact with Madrid’s hierarchy.
Liverpool’s Nightmare Scenario
The situation is everything Liverpool feared most about their contract negotiations. Liverpool ‘were right to be afraid’ as their centre-back has decided he wants to ‘leave’ the club. The Reds’ worst-case scenario has been realised.
He rejected Liverpool’s offer to extend his contract, being disappointed with the structure and the performance-based targets of the offer, suggesting fundamental disagreements about both financial terms and contract structure.
Contract Disappointment Details
The breakdown in negotiations appears to center on multiple issues beyond just salary. Reports suggest Konate is disappointed with the overall structure of Liverpool’s offers, including performance-based incentives that he feels undervalue his contributions to the team.
The French international’s demands for a significant wage increase to £200,000 per week would place him among Liverpool’s highest earners, a level the club appears reluctant to meet.
Losing Konate next year would be a huge blow for Liverpool, particularly given his importance to the team’s defensive structure since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable center-backs, making his potential departure a significant blow to Liverpool’s defensive plans.
Current Contract Status
Konate is Liverpool’s next priority when it comes to agreeing a new deal, with the Frenchman out of contract in 2026, but the recent developments suggest these negotiations may be futile.
The timing is particularly concerning for Liverpool, as losing another key player on a free transfer would follow the pattern established by other high-profile departures.
Real Madrid’s Free Transfer Strategy
This potential acquisition fits perfectly with Real Madrid’s recent strategy of targeting world-class players in the final year of their contracts. The club has successfully employed this approach with several marquee signings, and Konate appears to be the next target.
Real Madrid may attempt to sign him next year via free agency, allowing them to offer the player a lucrative package without paying a transfer fee.
With Konate apparently having made his decision to leave, Liverpool face the challenge of either convincing him to reconsider or preparing for life without one of their key defenders.
The situation is expected to develop further as the season progresses, with Real Madrid likely to intensify their pursuit as the player enters the final six months of his contract in January 2026.
For Liverpool, this is another cautionary tale about the importance of securing key players on long-term contracts before they enter the final stages of their deals.
