Reports from Europe suggest Real Madrid have every reason to be optimistic as Liverpool reach a decisive point in Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation.
The French centre-back is heading into the final months of his deal at Anfield, and with no agreement in sight, the clock is ticking. From January 1, Konate will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with clubs outside England — and Madrid are leading the chase.
Spanish outlet Marca — known for its strong connections within the Bernabéu — claims Konate has become Los Blancos’ top defensive priority for 2026. With the futures of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger uncertain and injuries piling up, Madrid want fresh reinforcement in defence as quickly as possible.
Liverpool’s “last offer” on the table 📝
A new update from CaughtOffside suggests Liverpool have issued a clear ultimatum:
accept their final contract offer or be sold in January.
If Konate refuses the deal — one that would reportedly place him among the club’s highest earners — Liverpool are prepared to cash in immediately and pursue Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as a replacement.
So far, Konate has not responded.
Why an early exit looks complicated
Despite the rumours, there are several obstacles:
Konate may prefer to run down his contract, giving him more leverage and better offers as a free agent next summer.
Crystal Palace are unlikely to sell Guehi mid-season, even though he is expected to leave on a free next year.
Guehi himself has major interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, making a rushed January move to Liverpool far from guaranteed.
Liverpool even came close to signing him in the summer of 2025, only for Palace to pull out of the deal at the last moment when they failed to secure a replacement.
Other sources paint a more hopeful picture for Liverpool 🔴
More reliable outlets suggest the situation isn’t as bleak as it seems:
L’Equipe reports that Liverpool remain quietly confident about getting Konate to agree fresh terms.
TEAMtalk’s own insider, Fraser Fletcher, says the club plans to offer a short-term extension of 12–18 months to preserve his value, while Konate is open to staying if the club can meet his expectations for playing time, trophies, and long-term ambition.
One club insider put it simply:
> “Ibou loves Liverpool, but he wants guarantees — minutes, trophies, and a real project. If the deal is right, he’ll stay.”
Around Madrid: More transfer plans brewing
Real Madrid have finalised their approach for Florian Wirtz ahead of 2026.
Conflicting reports have emerged about Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo for January.
Chelsea are preparing a bid for a Madrid player even though the star already has a move lined up elsewhere.
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