“I can confirm” – Fabrizio Romano provides worrying Liverpool transfer update | OneFootball

Liverpool face major decision as Fabrizio Romano updates on Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool are once again confronted with a familiar storyline, a key player entering the final stretch of his contract and Europe’s biggest clubs hovering. This time it is Ibrahima Konate, who, like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold a year ago, finds himself at the centre of uncertainty.

According to Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go Podcast, discussions over a new deal are far from reaching a breakthrough. “For sure Real Madrid are very attentive to the situation of Ibrahima Konate… For Konate and Liverpool, at the moment it looks difficult. There is still no agreement, still nothing really close,” Romano explained.

He added, “Konate is out of contract in 2026 so there might be an opportunity, and Real Madrid are attentive, I can confirm that. Then again, it’s still early to make decisions.”

Spanish media have gone further, suggesting Los Blancos could move as early as January, a scenario that would put Liverpool under immediate pressure to make a call.

Influence growing on and off the pitch

After a shaky start to the season, Konate reminded supporters of his quality with a commanding display in the Merseyside derby, winning 10 of 13 duels. It was a timely return to form, showing precisely why he is regarded as an essential pillar in Arne Slot’s defence.

His contribution extends beyond matchdays. As reported by The Athletic, Konate has been instrumental in helping compatriot Hugo Ekitike settle at the club. Ekitike has since scored five goals in eight games, crediting his seamless adjustment to Konate’s guidance. This leadership role within the dressing room underlines his growing importance in a squad already stretched by injuries.

Contract value and squad depth concerns

On £70,000 per week, Konate’s wages are significantly lower than those of other Liverpool regulars. For a 26-year-old who has become integral to the club’s defensive structure, there is a clear case that his contract should reflect his value.

The urgency has only increased following the news of Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury, which leaves Liverpool with just three fit senior centre-backs. With four competitions to navigate, the timing could not be worse. Slot will know that retaining Konate is not only about avoiding distraction, but also about ensuring the squad has the necessary resilience for another title push.

Outlook for Liverpool and Konate

The next few months could prove decisive. If Liverpool fail to secure an agreement, Real Madrid’s interest will only intensify. The message from Romano is clear, there is no imminent resolution. For Liverpool, the choice is stark, either reward Konate in line with his importance or risk another saga that casts a shadow over a season of promise.

One thing is certain, Anfield cannot afford to let another cornerstone of the squad slip into contractual limbo.