Real Madrid make decision over move to sign world-class Liverpool star | OneFootball

Konate’s Contract Situation

The 26-year-old centre-back is entering a critical period of his Liverpool career. His current deal expires at the end of the 2025–26 season, and discussions between sporting director Richard Hughes and Konate’s representatives have yet to yield an agreement. Should no extension be finalised, the France international could leave on a free transfer next summer — a scenario Liverpool are eager to avoid.

Signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £35 million, Konate has become a key figure in Liverpool’s defensive structure. His combination of power, pace, and composure has made him one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League when fit. Yet uncertainty surrounding his future has opened the door for speculation linking him with several European heavyweights.

Real Madrid Weigh Options

Initial reports from Foot Mercato suggested Bayern Munich were ahead of Real Madrid in the pursuit of Konate. That development is telling, given that Madrid was long viewed as the defender’s preferred destination. However, fresh claims from Spanish outlet Defensa Central indicate that the La Liga giants remain unconvinced about pushing forward with a formal offer.

Madrid’s transfer priorities appear to be shifting. Names such as Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich have reportedly entered their discussions, casting doubt on whether Konate remains high on their shortlist. The same report suggests Madrid’s hierarchy — including Florentino Pérez, Juni Calafat, and José Ángel Sánchez — plan to reassess their defensive options closer to the spring.

If accurate, that timeline could leave Konate in an awkward position. With his contract ticking down, he could begin negotiating with foreign clubs as early as January, but any delay from Madrid may force him to make a firm decision about his future before then.

Liverpool’s Strategic Stance

Inside Anfield, Liverpool’s leadership are keen to maintain stability in defence, particularly under Arne Slot’s new regime. Richard Hughes has reportedly tabled an extension offer, which would keep Konate at the club for several more seasons.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the logic is clear. Losing a defender of Konate’s calibre for free would not only represent a significant financial setback but also disrupt the team’s defensive planning. Slot’s system, reliant on high defensive positioning and physical duels, suits Konate’s attributes perfectly — and replacing him would be both costly and disruptive.

Why Staying at Liverpool Makes Sense

While the allure of the Bernabéu might be strong, Madrid’s stance suggests Konate would only be considered as a free transfer option rather than a marquee signing. That kind of hesitation hardly signals unwavering faith in his abilities. For a player seeking both continuity and respect at club level, Liverpool arguably remains the ideal environment.

Slot’s squad is evolving, with a core of young talent emerging around established leaders. For Konate, committing to Liverpool now could offer both competitive security and a clear path to more silverware — especially with the team’s ambitions to reclaim both domestic and European dominance.

Unless Madrid reverse course and present a serious proposal, the sensible move for Konate is to reaffirm his commitment to Liverpool, a club where he has grown into a genuine defensive mainstay.