Ibrahima Konate closer to STAYING at Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool have got a contract problem to solve with Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman is out of contract in 2026 - and the club have so far had little success in tying him down to a new deal.

Having seen the 26-year-old establish himself as Virgil van Dijk’s preferred partner in their 2024/25 Premier League-winning season, the Reds will be gutted to lose him on a free next year.

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That has led to speculation that we could see the France international on the move this summer instead - provided Liverpool’s asking fee is met.

Media reports have suggested that the club would settle for a deal for anything between £35m and £50m - although there are no guarantees that Richard Hughes would cash in.

Madrid tell Alonso: No more signings

One more season of Konate - regardless of his future intentions - may well be the most sensible option unless Marc Guehi can be brought on board during the current window.

- with Los Blancos previously reported to be willing to buy Konate this summer. However it looks like Los Blancos’ tune has changed.

According to a new report in Defensa Central, president Florentino Perez and technical director Jose Angel Sanchez have informed coach Xabi Alonso that there will be NO more transfers this summer.

Madrid bid for Konate ruled out

It means a bid for Konate can be ruled out - taking one of the main suitors for Konate off the table.

Liverpool went through practically all of last season with contract doubts over Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

While Trent turned his back on his hometown club and joined Madrid, Liverpool convinced Salah and Van Dijk to remain at the club for two more years.

Indeed at one stage it appeared Salah was more out than in but Arne Slot’s title-winning team is evidence enough for the Egyptian King that Liverpool are going places.

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Can Liverpool convince Konate to stay?

And so while it might right now seem that Konate is on his way to Real Madrid as a replacement for either Antonio Rudiger or David Alaba in 2026, a lot can happen between now and January.

By that stage he will be available to talk to overseas clubs about a free transfer - and no doubt Madrid will be in the mix.

But if Liverpool get off to a great start - reaffirming their status as the best club in the Premier League - then Konate could ultimately be persuaded to stay.

The move this summer now appears off the table - and Liverpool have a second chance to convince their stopper that his future lies on Merseyside.