Liverpool reporter reveals the reason for Real Madrid’s Konate confidence | OneFootball

Real Madrid Confident of Landing Liverpool Defender

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Ibrahima Konate has intensified, with the Spanish giants reportedly confident they can secure his signature on a free transfer next summer. According to the Daily Mail, sources in Madrid believe they are close to striking a verbal agreement with the Liverpool centre back, who is now in the final year of his contract.

Photo: IMAGO

Contract Clock Ticking

Konate’s situation mirrors that of Trent Alexander-Arnold last year, as he is free to negotiate with overseas clubs from 1 January. Madrid have been laying the groundwork for months, and several senior figures in the club have allegedly expressed optimism that Konate will be wearing white by next season.

Despite this, Liverpool opened contract talks with the 26-year-old defender last November. No agreement has yet been reached, and as of now, Konate has not indicated publicly that he wants to leave Anfield.

Player’s Stance

Konate’s own words offer a glimpse into the uncertainty. “To win a trophy was just amazing. And today, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here,” he said at the end of last season.

When asked about his future, he admitted, “Is it progressing? Not really but my agent met the club last week but I don’t know what will happen.”

Photo: IMAGO

Konate added a touch of humour this week on French TV, joking that national team colleague Kylian Mbappe was “calling me every two hours” to lure him to Madrid.

Liverpool’s Position

Liverpool remain committed to keeping their powerful centre back and have received no indication that he plans to leave. The club are continuing talks, hopeful of persuading him to extend his stay on Merseyside.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Konate has become a cornerstone of the backline and losing him, especially on a free transfer, would be a huge setback both financially and on the pitch. The club’s defence was rebuilt around his athleticism and ability to dominate physically. To let him leave without a replacement lined up would risk undoing much of the progress made in recent seasons.

Supporters will also remember the frustration when other key players were allowed to run down contracts. Many will be asking whether the club hierarchy have acted quickly enough, with negotiations reportedly starting last November but no resolution yet in sight.

If Madrid’s confidence grows, it will only intensify the pressure on Liverpool to act. Fans want to see decisive action, an improved offer, clearer communication, and a firm plan for the future. Allowing one of the team’s defensive leaders to walk away would be a signal that the club have not fully learned from previous mistakes.