Liverpool Set €50m Price Tag on Star Amid Real Madrid Pursuit – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s €50m Konaté Dilemma: What Next for the Reds?

Liverpool are no strangers to big decisions in the transfer market, but the latest development around Ibrahima Konaté has left fans and insiders worried. As reported by AS, the Reds are now “ready to commit to a €50m deal” if a club comes forward for the French centre-back this summer. This, however, is not a deal the club is keen to make.

Busy Summer at Anfield

Arne Slot’s first summer after a triumphant Premier League-winning debut season has been nothing short of hectic. With key departures like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah, Liverpool have already recouped significant fees.

On the arrivals front, the Reds have pulled off some eye-catching moves. Florian Wirtz arrived for a record amount, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez also bolstering the squad. Yet, amid all the excitement, the uncertainty over Darwin Núñez continues to hang in the background, with Atletico Madrid reportedly tabling a €40m offer.

Photo: IMAGO

Konaté Situation Reaches Crunch Point

The focus now turns sharply to Ibrahima Konaté. As AS reports, the defender is entering the final year of his contract, meaning from January 1st, he is free to negotiate a move without Liverpool’s involvement.

AS notes that “it looks increasingly unlikely that Liverpool will get him to sign a new deal,” leaving the club facing a tough choice: cash in now or risk losing him for nothing next summer. Real Madrid have emerged as the main suitors, but they “apparently won’t even consider that €50m price.” This has put Liverpool in a tight spot, with the club “resigned” to the possibility of Konaté walking away on a free.

Risk or Opportunity for Konaté?

The decision from Konaté’s side carries risks. AS put it bluntly: “Honestly, we think Konaté is taking a massive risk here.” While Real Madrid’s interest is flattering, the Spanish giants are unwilling to pay up now, banking on a free deal later. This leaves Konaté vulnerable to injury or form drops, which could scupper any mega move.

For Liverpool, the frustration is clear. They “want Konaté to renew his contract long-term at Anfield,” but negotiations have stalled. With less than a month before the season starts, it’s a worrying distraction for a squad aiming to defend its league title and push further in Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Next Move Critical

Arne Slot has shown tactical brilliance on the pitch, but off it, this may be his biggest challenge yet. Does he push the board to lower their €50m demands to avoid losing Konaté for free? Or does he back the player to stay and help Liverpool to more glory, risking the loss down the line?

As with so many things at Anfield, the summer may end up defining the season.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this report from AS will stir genuine anxiety. Konaté has been central to Liverpool’s resurgence, providing physicality, pace and a calmness under pressure. Losing him, especially after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, feels like tearing the spine out of the defence.

Many supporters are baffled as to why the contract situation was allowed to drift into its final year. Some would argue, “Why wasn’t this sorted last summer when the warning signs were there?” If Real Madrid are circling, the lure is obvious, but the frustration comes from Liverpool’s perceived passiveness.

There’s also concern over whether the incoming players, exciting as they are, can fill these voids straight away. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are exceptional talents, but neither replaces Konaté’s defensive presence.

Fans are also questioning whether Slot has the authority behind the scenes to demand a more aggressive stance. After delivering a title in his debut season, surely he has the clout to demand action? Right now, the risk of losing Konaté for nothing is haunting Anfield, and many fear it could derail the momentum Slot has carefully built.