Liverpool star signs new contract after Real Madrid snub | OneFootball

Sporting director Richard Hughes has been in talks with the Frenchman’s entourage for more than a year - and with just a couple of months to go before his current deal expires there has been no breakthrough.

But various reports have emerged over the last week or so suggesting an accord was reached over the outline of a deal during the international window.

Signed in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £35m it has been reported that Konate’s current deal is worth around £150k per week. The 26-year-old of course is entitled to ask for a sizeable increase given his centrality to the 2024/25 Premier League title win.

There were signs however that Hughes was unwilling or unable to meet those new contract demands - slated to be between £200k and £250k per week.

Ibrahima Konate agrees new contract

Transfer reporter Nicolo Schira is now reporting however that Konate is going to get his wishes met - with a “huge” pay rise now scheduled for his new deal.

“After the first two bids turned down, Ibrahima Konatè is currently getting closer to extend his contract with Liverpool,” he writes on X.

“In addition to the renewal The centre-back will receive a huge increase in salary.”

It represents Liverpool’s second big contract win over the past few weeks with midfielder Ryan Gravenberch agreeing a deal worth around £277k per week until 2032.

Intriguingly there is a report in the Spanish press which claims that Konate effectively priced himself out of a move to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid change their minds on Konate

Defensa Central reports that the 15-time European champions had concerns over his indifferent form this season but his excessive contract demands scuppered the chance of a free transfer to the Bernabeu.

“Konaté had a contract renewal offer from Liverpool on the table, which he rejected as insufficient,” the report reads.

“He saw that he could obtain better terms at Real Madrid or PSG. Both clubs were interested in signing him, so he preferred to explore other possibilities.

“But with PSG circling, Real Madrid saw Konaté's demands skyrocket. They weren't going to accept a multi-million dollar contract, and so they eventually abandoned the idea.”

In the end Konate saw his preferred move to the Spanish capital disappear and he was left with the option to renew at Anfield.

“After learning that Real Madrid had ruled out his arrival, he decided to change his mind,” the report reads. “He has sat down to negotiate with Liverpool and the financial terms have reportedly been agreed upon.”