Liverpool Star Rejects Another Contract Offer as Real Madrid Move ‘Accelerates’ | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfers: Journalists Provide Worrying Updates on Ibrahima Konate’s Future

Liverpool have enjoyed an electric start to the transfer window, signing Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman already.

There have also been exits for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Coaimhin Kelleher, Nat Phillips and Jarell Quansah. Now with just three senior centre-backs available, consisting of Virgil van Dijk, Ibou Konate and Joe Gomez, Liverpool are now on the search for defensive reinforcements.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is the name at the top of the list. With just one year remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park, Liverpool see him as a market opportunity and could move for him this summer for a cut price.

Photo: IMAGO

Although initially seen as a signing that would add immense depth and competition to the centre of defence, latest reports suggest that he could have a bigger role at Liverpool next season. That is because of the uncertain future of Konate, who also finds himself into the last 12 months of his contract.

Reliable transfer journalist Nicolo Schira has reported that Konate has turned down another contract offer from Liverpool, saying:

“Ibrahima Konate has turned down Liverpool’s bid to extend his contract until 2030. His contract with Liverpool currently expires in 2026.”

Schira isn’t the only reporter to have poured cold water on the idea of Konate extending at Liverpool.

Just yesterday, Fabrizio Romano shared a worrying report from La Ser on his Facebook page, saying:

“BREAKING: Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid, the deal is ACCELERATING, says LA SER!”

“Liverpool are seriously considering selling him this summer if he keeps refusing to renew.”

“The player only wants to join Real Madrid.”

What Next?

Now, it’s important to not get too carried away with these reports. Liverpool will still hope to tie Konate down to a new contract in the next few months, but the deal is seemingly only getting more complicated.

If Liverpool’s stance is really to sell Konate if he doesn’t renew, then you can expect a firm move to sign Marc Guehi in the very near future.

Even without the potential departure of Konate, Liverpool will sign a central defender this summer. The idea of heading into the new season with just three centre-backs would be ludicrous, especially considering the injury struggles of Konate and Gomez.

Other names such as RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez have been linked and could be ones to keep an eye on. But as it stands, Liverpool’s focus remains on the future of Konate.