Liverpool Star Wanted by Three Premier League Giants in 2026 – Report | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate Attracts Premier League Interest Amid Liverpool Contract Talks

Liverpool’s impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign under Arne Slot has been defined by consistency and defensive resilience. One of the key figures in that backline is Ibrahima Konate, whose form has steadily improved after a slow opening to the season. According to TBR Football, Liverpool are fully aware that interest in the French international is mounting, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly being kept informed by intermediaries of his potential availability.

TBR Football report that “intermediaries are doing their work and making the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City aware that Konate could be available for nothing next summer”. Liverpool are confident about a contract renewal but know that competition for Konate’s signature could become fierce if negotiations stall.

Liverpool Confident Yet Cautious

Liverpool’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, remain optimistic about extending Konate’s stay. Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey told TBR Football, “The ideal scenario for Liverpool is a new contract for Konate and signing Guehi on a free, but this is football and obviously neither could happen.”

Photo: IMAGO

This statement highlights the unpredictable nature of modern transfer dealings. While Liverpool continue talks with Konate’s representatives, they acknowledge that both European heavyweights and domestic rivals could step in should the defender become a free agent. Bailey added, “Liverpool fear nobody, both on the pitch or off it,” underlining the club’s assertive approach in recent transfer windows.

Strategic Significance Of Konate’s Contract

Since his £36 million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has established himself as a crucial partner to captain Virgil van Dijk. His athleticism and positional awareness have been key to Liverpool’s defensive solidity, especially under Slot’s adjusted system.

TBR Football also reported that “talks have been positive and Liverpool believe that there is a real chance they will succeed in persuading him to sign fresh terms”. This suggests that despite earlier rejected offers, the mood around Anfield is cautiously upbeat.

The club’s interest in Marc Guehi has added another layer to the story, with some speculating about a potential reshaping of Liverpool’s central defence. However, Liverpool have stressed that Guehi’s situation is unrelated to Konate’s contract.

Rivals Waiting To Strike

The prospect of Konate becoming a free agent in 2026 is understandably appealing to other clubs. Chelsea and Arsenal are reported to be keeping close tabs, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich remain admirers.

As Bailey succinctly put it, “Why wouldn’t someone like Chelsea make an offer if he is available on a free? Although clearly they hope it does not get to that point.” This pragmatic outlook from Liverpool reflects the reality of competing for top players in today’s market.

Liverpool’s immediate challenge will be to maintain their perfect start to the season while securing the long-term future of one of their most reliable defenders.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report invites cautious scepticism. Many fans will question why Konate’s contract situation has not been resolved sooner, particularly after a title-winning season under Arne Slot. Konate has demonstrated both quality and commitment, and some will feel the club risk unsettling a key player at a crucial time.

There is also a sense among sections of the fanbase that while the club’s stance seems measured, it may inadvertently open the door to rivals. A sceptical Kopite might say, “We have seen these situations before with top players running down their contracts, and the longer it drags on the more leverage agents and rival clubs gain.”

Fans are unlikely to be overly concerned about links to Marc Guehi, as many view him as a strong addition rather than a replacement. However, losing Konate on a free would be regarded as a serious setback, not just in financial terms but in continuity for the backline.

There will be faith in Slot’s project given the Premier League title success in his first season, yet patience may wear thin if speculation around Konate intensifies without resolution. The timing of these talks, so early in the campaign, could also be perceived as a distraction in what promises to be a fiercely competitive title defence.

Ultimately, while optimism exists about Konate’s renewal, the prevailing mood among cautious Liverpool fans will be: resolve the situation quickly, reward the player appropriately and keep rivals at bay before this story gathers further momentum.