PSG and Real Madrid monitor Ibrahima Konaté’s contractual standoff at Liverpool | OneFootball

PSG and Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Ibrahima Konaté’s (25) contractual standoff at Liverpool, according to L’Equipe. The France international centre-back, who is expected to receive a call-up today from Didier Deschamps to take part in the Nations League finals, is set to enter his final contract year with the Reds. Konaté joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 over a five-year contract.

The Sochaux FC Academy product rose from being a France U21 prospect to becoming one of Europe’s very best centre-backs alongside Virgil van Dijk. The outlet understands that Liverpool executives have established renewing Konaté’s contract as a priority now that the futures of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have been sorted. Should they fail to do so, Konaté would leave as a free agent, like Trent Alexander-Arnold is about to do with the England international set to join Real Madrid.

Liverpool were initially very confident that a deal could be swiftly struck. In December, the Reds submitted a first proposal that was deemed “very insufficient” by Konaté’s representatives. Both parties then agreed to return to the negotiating table at the end of the season, to allow the centre-back to focus on on-field matters. Further exchanges occurred in March, without a breakthrough. L’Equipe understands that fresh talks were very recently held between Liverpool’s Sporting Director Richard Hughes and Konaté’s agents. The Reds intend to wrap up Konaté’s renewal before summer’s end.

Konaté is reportedly very comfortable at Liverpool, but he knows he’s entering a pivotal moment in his career. He will turn 26 this Sunday. The Frenchman has the club’s full trust and has reportedly built a solid relationship with head coach Arne Slot. Konaté is mindful of Liverpool’s squad building and their ability to maintain their status as potential Champions League winners. Liverpool remain “confident” regarding a contract renewal, whereas Konaté’s camp adds that “the ball is in Liverpool’s court.”

A departure from Liverpool is not being ruled out, but only a handful of clubs could afford him. Real Madrid have already wrapped up Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, but they intend to continue rejuvenating their defense. Los Merengues are yet to pursue Konaté like they do with Arsenal’s William Saliba. As for PSG, they have expressed an interest in the past, and the Ligue 1 champions are said to continue monitoring his situation, even if they’re pursuing other right-footed centre-backs.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval