Liverpool ‘Met with Player’s Agents Last Week’ with Contract Agreement Anticipated | OneFootball

Liverpool and Konate in Contract Stand-Off Amid Real Madrid Speculation

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has addressed growing uncertainty around his Anfield future, confirming that contract talks with the club are active but far from concluded. The French international, who played a pivotal role in helping Arne Slot’s side lift the Premier League title this season, is entering the final 12 months of his current deal.

Despite Liverpool offering a contract extension, no agreement has been finalised. Speaking candidly, Konate revealed that his representatives have already met with the club hierarchy and presented a counter-proposal following Liverpool’s initial offer.

“My agent met the club last week” – Konate Speaks Out

The 25-year-old moved to put speculation to rest, especially regarding misleading reports circulating online. Speaking to the Independent, Konate stated:

“My agent met the club last week, but I don’t know what will happen.

“I cannot say what my agent said to me, but yeah, we will see what will happen.

“I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake. I didn’t even ask for something from the club.

“They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it. The rest, that I want to wait until the end (of his contract), all of it is completely fake.

“In November (it was claimed) I am very close to signing the deal. I was like, ‘ah, they have more information than me’ because it was not true at that moment, and that is why I was a little bit mad.”

The clarity in his words will be welcomed by Liverpool fans, although his comments also signal a negotiation that is still open-ended and potentially vulnerable to outside interest.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid Watching Closely as Liverpool Seek Resolution

Real Madrid are among the European giants believed to be monitoring Konate’s situation. While no formal move has been made, Madrid’s long-standing interest in bolstering their defensive line could see them enter the frame should talks between Liverpool and the Frenchman stall.

With the departure of several experienced names from the Bernabéu in recent seasons, Madrid remain attentive to emerging or unsettled talent across Europe. Konate, who has proven himself in the Premier League and at international level, fits the profile of a player Los Blancos might consider.

Why Liverpool Must Keep Konate

It is difficult to overstate Konate’s importance to Liverpool’s defensive setup. A composed presence at the back, he combines physical dominance with technical composure, traits that helped the Reds secure their first Premier League crown under new boss Arne Slot.

Beyond his performances on the pitch, Konate is widely viewed as a leader in the dressing room, an increasingly vocal figure among a squad in transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Losing him would not only weaken Liverpool defensively, but also undermine continuity at a time when Slot is shaping a new identity.

The club are understood to be keen to avoid another situation like that of Georginio Wijnaldum, whose contract ran down before he departed on a free transfer. Ensuring that Konate remains part of the long-term project under Slot is likely to be one of Liverpool’s key priorities this summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Contract Resolution Expected This Summer

While there is still ground to cover in negotiations, Liverpool remain confident of reaching a solution that satisfies all parties. With pre-season on the horizon and Real Madrid keeping tabs, the coming weeks will be crucial.

Whether the club’s revised terms will meet Konate’s expectations remains to be seen. But with both sides engaged in dialogue, Liverpool fans will hope that a compromise can be struck well before the defender enters the final stretch of his contract.