Journalist: Liverpool ‘Still in Talks’ Over Deal for Real Madrid-Linked Star | OneFootball

Konate’s Liverpool Future Under the Spotlight

Liverpool’s flawless start to the Premier League season has only added to the sense of momentum around Arne Slot’s side. Four wins from four against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Burnley suggest the champions are wasting no time in building on last year’s title triumph. Yet, while the football on the pitch is flowing, uncertainty surrounds one of the club’s most important defenders.

Ibou Konate’s contract runs down in nine months and with Real Madrid circling, speculation about his future continues to dominate headlines. Speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, David Lynch offered valuable insight, stressing that the story is far from settled.

Contract Uncertainty and Madrid Interest

Konate is entering the most precarious period of his Liverpool career. Real Madrid have long been linked with players nearing the end of their contracts and the French defender fits that mould perfectly. The prospect of losing another key figure to the Bernabeu, after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer switch, makes this situation particularly sensitive for supporters.

Lynch addressed the current state of play directly: “There’s a desperation from people to say that it’s done and he is clearly going to go to Real Madrid, but it’s not done.” He also cautioned against premature conclusions: “If I say it’s not done now on this podcast and someone pulls it out and say that I’ve said there’s a chance he signs on, then people will think he is definitely staying.”

What stands out here is the openness of the situation. Liverpool remain in talks, and Lynch was clear that “all of the outcomes are still available. People might guess correctly at this point but as far as I’m aware he is still in talks with Liverpool.”

Liverpool’s Stance on Negotiations

The Reds have been pragmatic in contract situations before, often pushing negotiations to the limit before finding common ground. Lynch reminded listeners of previous cases: “Liverpool have a red line that they don’t want to go over but that happens in contract talks. That happened with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah and they both ended positively.”

For Konate, it appears the sticking point lies in wages rather than a desire to leave. As Lynch put it: “I feel that if Liverpool gave him the right amount of money then he would be happy to stay but they’re not at that agreement yet.” Importantly, there has been no definitive break in discussions: “It’s not like he has told Liverpool that he won’t be signing and will join Real Madrid but that has 100% not happened.”

Looking Ahead for Liverpool’s Defence

Liverpool’s summer business showed clear intent to bolster the backline. Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Milos Kerkez all arrived to give Slot more options, even if the late collapse of a £35 million move for Marc Guehi left some feeling a gap remains. Konate’s future could be central to how this defensive rebuild evolves.

The club may feel confident after their strong start, but ensuring stability in defence is crucial for sustaining a title challenge and competing in Europe. Losing a player of Konate’s calibre for free would represent a major setback.

For now, as Lynch highlighted, nothing has been decided. Liverpool fans will hope that the precedent set by Van Dijk and Salah repeats itself, and that Konate’s name is added to the list of long-term cornerstones at Anfield.