Ibrahima Konate contract ENDGAME in sight | OneFootball

Liverpool are facing a contract problem over Ibrahima Konate.

The 26-year-old joined the Anfield club back in 2021 - on a £35m deal from RB Leipzig. Last season he established himself as Virgil van Dijk’s preferred centre-back partner as Arne Slot’s side won the 2024/25 Premier League title.

But time is quickly running out on Konate’s current contract. The France international’s terms are due to expire in summer 2026 - meaning he will be entitled to discuss a free transfer with overseas clubs in less than two months.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on adding the defender to their ranks - but Liverpool still have a little bit of time to get a deal over the line.

Take it or leave it offer

Currently earning £140k per week, there are suggestions that Konate’s camp are looking for £200k or more per week to renew. Over the weekend the player DENIED that a new offer was on the table - insisting that talks were ongoing.

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However Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri is now claiming that a contract has been offered. Moreover if Konate accepts the deal he will become one of the highest-paid players in the Liverpool squad.

Konate has been made a take-it-or-leave-it offer from sporting director Richard Hughes - and if he refuses to sign it then he will free to leave.

Konate's "dream" is Madrid

Tavolieri claims that Konate’s “dream” is to sign for Real Madrid - but the next few weeks will certainly tell a story.

“This is a final offer,” the report reads.

“In Liverpool, Ibrahima Konaté's situation is now clear: the proposal currently on the table will be the last one offered by the Reds, who believe they have been very generous with the Frenchman, who has made numerous overtures to Real Madrid in recent months... still flirting with the French national team's rock.

“If Konaté accepts the proposed terms, he will become one of the highest-paid players in the squad led by Arne Slot, a sign of the total confidence placed in him.

“More than ever, the Frenchman has to make a choice: accept what he has or wait to get what he has always wanted, namely the chance to play for Real Madrid. A decision is expected in the coming weeks…”

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Liverpool could add new centre-back

Konate has been struggling for form in the past few weeks and his uncertain contract situation has led to speculation that Hughes could go into the market for a new central defender.

Nico Schlotterbeck, Ronald Araujo and Alessandro Bastoni are among the high-profile names linked with a transfer to the Merseyside giants in 2026.

And there remains the option of adding a new player on a free - with Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano among those most closely associated with a Bosman deal.