Real Madrid’s Konate plans in chaos as Liverpool take decision over contract rebel | OneFootball

It will soon be time to decide Ibrahima Konate’s fate amid uncertainty over the Liverpool defender’s future.

Konate, 26, signed for the Reds back in 2021 from RB Leipzig for around £35m. It took him quite some time to establish himself at Anfield - but last season formed part of the Premier League title-winning centre-back partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk.

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Sporting director Richard Hughes has long been hopeful of tying the France international down to a new contract with his current terms expiring in 2026.

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With less than a year on his deal, any number of options are currently in play for Konate.

Konate out of contract in 2026

The ideal circumstance is that he comes to an agreement over a renewal - although there have been no signs as yet that the Reds are prepared to meet his demands.

Konate wants £200k per week to renew - according to reports - which is a big raise from his current reported salary of £140k p/w. And Liverpool will only have one more chance to earn money back on Konate if he doesn’t give any indication that he will renew.

That opportunity will come in January - by which time Konate will be entitled to speak to potentially-interested overseas clubs about a free transfer in summer.

Real Madrid lead the chase for Konate - hoping to capitalise on his expiring contract like they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool assume Konate won't renew

But a report in Defensa Central now claims that Liverpool will SCUPPER Madrid’s plans to land Konate on a free.

That’s because the title holders are planning to entertain bids for their starting centre-back once the window opens.

“Liverpool are considering selling him in the winter transfer window with the aim of getting some money for him,” the report reads.

“The Reds are starting to assume he won't renew and may be open to parting ways with him mid-season.

This would upset Real Madrid's plans, which want to pursue him, but not until next summer."

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