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Liverpool Assess Konate Future as Real Madrid Circle

Liverpool’s stance over Ibrahima Konate’s future has become increasingly clear as the January window edges closer. While the club remain open to securing a new agreement, it will only happen on their terms. With Real Madrid monitoring the situation and the defender approaching the final months of his contract, the coming weeks promise to shape a defining chapter in the Frenchman’s Anfield career.

Liverpool, England, 11th May 2025. Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool embraces Conor Bradley of Liverpool during the Liverpool vs Arsenal Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: Cody Froggatt / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI_049_CF_LIVERPOOL_V_ARSENAL SPI-3930-0049

Contract Landscape Shifts as Options Open Abroad

Konate is free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January, and his availability has naturally attracted high-level interest. Real Madrid have been one of the most prominent suitors, viewing the centre-back as a potential long-term addition as they future-proof their defensive unit. However, suggestions emerging in Spain indicate their enthusiasm may now be cooling.

For Liverpool, that development changes little. Their position has been consistent: they want to keep Konate, but only within the parameters of their carefully managed wage structure. The club have been firm across several cycles of contract negotiations: no matter a player’s quality, financial equilibrium remains a non-negotiable.

That stance places the emphasis back on the player. Konate has become an influential figure at Anfield with his blend of athleticism, recovery pace and front-foot defending, yet as his contract ticks down, he will inevitably weigh up his market value elsewhere.

Squad Planning Intensifies as Replacement Options Evaluated

Liverpool’s recruitment team have long prepared for scenarios in which key players move on, and the centre-back department is no exception. Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace remains a name of interest and is entering a similar contractual timeframe, with only six months left when January arrives.

Guehi’s profile aligns well with the club’s defensive model: calm in possession, proactive in duels and proven in the Premier League. Liverpool have tracked him for more than a year, but they are not alone. Bayern Munich hold admiration too, although their immediate priority is securing a renewal for Dayot Upamecano, whose deal expires in 2026.

The presence of multiple elite sides in the conversation highlights the rarity of top-level centre-backs approaching the end of their contracts. For Liverpool, maintaining a coherent long-term strategy will be crucial as they balance renewal negotiations with talent identification.

Real Madrid Monitoring but Not Moving Aggressively

Real Madrid’s interest in Konate stems from their wider squad planning, particularly with older defenders transitioning out of the starting picture. Yet recent reports suggest their efforts may be redirected as they explore alternative targets for both immediate and future depth.

That said, Madrid’s recruitment department traditionally moves opportunistically when elite players reach contract deadlocks. Should Liverpool fail to strike an agreement, the Spanish giants are expected to remain attentive.

Liverpool Aim for Stability Ahead of Crucial Period

As the season unfolds, Liverpool will aim to avoid unnecessary disruption in a position central to their tactical identity. Konate’s availability and reliability will remain key factors, but the hierarchy will not depart from established financial principles. Whether the defender signs or seeks a new challenge, the club intend to enter the next campaign with clarity and strength in their defensive structure.