Report: Liverpool Confident of New Deal Despite Madrid Interest in Defender | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate Signals Intent to Stay at Liverpool Despite Real Madrid Interest

Contract Talks Ongoing but Konate Committed

Ibrahima Konate may have caught the eye of Real Madrid, but the Liverpool centre-back appears to have other plans. According to Abdellah Boulma, the French defender is keen to remain at Anfield and is actively engaged in contract talks with the Premier League champions. While no agreement has yet been finalised, Boulma’s report paints a picture of a player content with his surroundings and motivated to continue under Arne Slot.

“Liverpool and Ibrahima Konaté are still in talks over a contract extension. No full agreement yet, but the French defender is happy at the club and keen to stay. #LFC” wrote Boulma on X, providing clarity amidst growing speculation that Konate might follow Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid.

Real Madrid’s Pursuit Falls Short

Real Madrid’s interest is hardly surprising. With Xabi Alonso seeking defensive reinforcements, Konate fits the bill as a commanding presence who can play in a back three or four. The Spanish giants reportedly valued him at €25 million (£21.8 million), well below Liverpool’s valuation of €50 million (£43.6 million). That gap, and Konate’s apparent willingness to extend his stay in Merseyside, suggests Madrid’s pursuit may be at an impasse.

Sacha Tavolieri had previously noted that Konate “received a new contract proposal from Liverpool… This offer would significantly increase his wages.” Though Konate had “opened the door off the record to Real Madrid recently,” Boulma’s update makes clear that any flirtation with the Bernabeu was just that — fleeting.

Focus Firmly on the New Season

Konate’s focus now appears to be on Liverpool’s title defence. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Last season we came back with a new manager and he had a very good idea… we had a good result for the club. I think this season will be more difficult.”

His words reflect a maturity and commitment to improvement, even after a triumphant campaign. “We were champions last season and it’s finished now, we have to go again and try to do something even better,” he said.

With summer signings such as Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already bolstering the squad, and Alexander Isak still a possibility, Liverpool’s ambitions remain sky-high.

Liverpool’s Pre-season Demands and Konate’s Determination

Konate’s comments on pre-season were particularly revealing. “We need to train very hard for this season because I think every team wants to beat us – and we want to protect our trophy… we need to work in these hard conditions with this hard weather. Just to be ready.”

In an era when many players consider greener pastures, Konate’s desire to stay, improve and compete is significant. Liverpool may yet need to fend off Madrid’s interest formally, but for now, they have a centre-back ready for the fight ahead.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, Konate’s apparent decision to stay is massive. Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid was a gut punch, no doubt, but keeping Konate sends a message: Liverpool are not in the business of selling off their spine.

There is real optimism about this season. Arne Slot has already shown he can deliver, and Konate seems to have fully bought into his methods. His quote about needing “these tough sessions to be ready” shows he understands what it takes to go back-to-back in the Premier League, and that kind of mentality spreads.

Some might have worried that Konate could be tempted by Madrid’s glamour, especially with Xabi Alonso calling, but his loyalty here cannot be overstated. He has unfinished business in red, and frankly, his best years should be at Liverpool.

Let’s hope the report is correct and Ibou stays and we can build around the French CB for years to come!