In a dramatic twist to this summer’s transfer window, Real Madrid have reportedly launched a bold “take-it-or-leave-it” offer to lure Ibrahima Konaté away from Anfield. With just one year left on the French defender’s current contract, Los Blancos are aiming to take advantage of the situation.

According to Spanish outlet AS, the La Liga giants are unwilling to meet Liverpool’s €50 million valuation and are instead proposing a cut-price deal worth around €20–25 million. Their gamble? Either the Reds accept now, or Madrid will wait to sign the 25-year-old for free next summer.

The 2022 Champions League winners believe they have the upper hand, especially with reports suggesting Konaté is interested in the move. Should Liverpool refuse to lower their demands, Madrid may simply play the waiting game.

Earlier reports from Defensa Central claimed Liverpool had even considered including Konaté in a player-plus-cash deal for Brazilian winger Rodrygo. The Merseyside club were reportedly prepared to offer €35 million along with the centre-back to bring Rodrygo to the Premier League.

However, in response to growing speculation, Konaté addressed the media after the Premier League season finale. Speaking candidly, he dismissed social media rumors about his contract as “completely fake.” He clarified that he had neither made outrageous demands nor was he close to signing a new deal at the time.

> “They made me an offer, and I responded. That’s it. Everything else people said – that I want to wait, that I want more – it’s all false,” Konaté said, via The Athletic.

“Even top journalists were saying I was close to extending. I had to laugh. I knew it wasn’t true, but people believed it.”



Meanwhile, The Guardian recently revealed that Konaté was disappointed by Liverpool’s latest contract offer, adding further uncertainty to his future.

As the standoff continues, the ball is now in Liverpool’s court – sell now and cash in, or risk losing a key defender for nothing next year. Madrid, on the other hand, seem more than ready to play the long game. 👀