“The Athletic” dove into the future of Liverpool’s French CB Ibrahima Konaté — and things are looking messier than they seem.
Konaté joined Liverpool in July 2021 and has already racked up 150 appearances, helping the club win the Premier League, the FA Cup, and two League Cups. But his current deal expires at the end of this season, and his future has become one of Liverpool’s biggest storylines.
Starting in January, he’s free to negotiate with other clubs, which is why the rumor mill has exploded. According to The Athletic, Liverpool’s biggest market concern right now is figuring out what happens with Konaté before his contract runs out in June.
The outlet reports:
“The ending to this saga is still unclear. Konaté can negotiate with others in January, but whether he leaves as a free agent — and what he ultimately decides — remains unknown.”
Liverpool began extension talks in 2023 and have consistently pushed to keep him, but The Athletic stresses that his next move depends heavily on what Konaté himself prioritizes.
As for Real Madrid — who’ve long been linked — the report adds:
“Yes, Madrid considered a move. But despite all the speculation, they directly informed Liverpool that they are not pursuing him.”
Which basically means: Madrid are out of the race.
Other reports have linked Bayern Munich and PSG as well, so Konaté’s next step is still wide open — and absolutely worth watching.
yahoo!sports
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/madrid-rule-signing-konat-according-080800940.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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“Social Media Reactions”
Real Madrid fans
“Real Madrid apparently told Liverpool they’re not pursuing Ibrahima Konaté anymore. Meanwhile Vinícius’ deal runs until 2027, and Saudi clubs plus big Premier League teams are circling. Madrid see him as completely untouchable and want to extend him on a huge salary — but he still hasn’t signed, meaning 2026 could get messy.”
“PL and Bundesliga clubs are watching Joan Martínez too. Madrid might loan him out in 2026 to get experience.”
“Romano says Madrid told Liverpool directly they won’t be pushing for Konaté in 2026. He was on the shortlist for a long time, but now that option is dead. Konaté is still discussing an extension with Liverpool — offer’s on the table, decision pending.”
“So yeah… Konaté deal is off. Wonder who we’re going for now.”
“I was worried Upamecano would turn into an auction. Guehi seems Liverpool-bound. Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet was mentioned once. Jacobo would mean poaching two players from Como, so probably not happening.”
“Konaté clearly wanted the move, but with how badly he’s been playing lately, looks like Madrid switched to Upamecano.”
“Upamecano seems like he wants to stay at Bayern though… and PSG are sniffing around too.”
“If we’re talking PL CBs, Saliba is the dream.”
“Saliba’s extended till 2027 on big wages. Impossible.”
“There were reports one or two months ago that Upamecano’s agents were literally offering him to Madrid.”
“Tbh Upamecano vs Konaté… not a huge gap.”
“In the national team the hierarchy feels like Saliba = Upamecano > Konaté > Lucas.”
“If we need a CB, Murillo at Nottingham Forest would be nice.”
“Konaté’s form this season has been awful. That PSV air-kick leading to the goal? Yeah, maybe that’s what killed the deal.”
“Where’s our next Nacho-type player?”
↳ “If Diego Aguado develops well, he could become that Nacho-style guy.”
Liverpool fans
“Madrid really said ‘nah we’re good’ on Konaté…”
↳ “Honestly fair. With how many mistakes he’s made, I’d back out too.”
“So it’s official — Madrid move for Konaté is dead.”
“Konaté: ‘But I was playing badly on purpose to engineer a move…’”
↳ “Mate you’re gonna be a free agent, you didn’t need to throw games LMAO.”
“The Athletic says Madrid pulled out after watching his performances this year. I mean… yeah.”
“If Konaté suddenly starts playing well now, that would be hilarious.”
“He looks like he’s playing not to get injured, so I bet he keeps doing that job-hunting style of play.”
“Konaté’s statement was wholesome ngl:
‘We have to face this situation head-on. Criticism is part of football. We overcome storms together. The fans matter most — good times, bad times, they push us through. We know we must improve. We’ll never give up. We fight for you always.’
He seems like a good guy. Hope he performs in these next two games.”
“Losing Slot — the guy who finally delivered that long-awaited title — because of this mess would be tragic.”
“If Madrid aren’t taking him, maybe he goes all-out now.”
“He ghosted two extension offers, then suddenly posted that overly-sweet Instagram apology like nothing happened… and now that the Madrid rumor is dead, it all makes sense. Honestly kinda gross.”
“If he accepts Van Dijk-level wages after that? Brutal.”
“Extend him and sell him to Saudi for like £40m next year lol.”
“If he keeps slacking and doesn’t extend, let him walk to PSG or something.”
↳ “Yeah PSG always felt like the most likely.
Madrid have been on Upamecano for a while anyway.”
“PSG are after Upamecano too lol.”
“If both Madrid and PSG are saying ‘even for free, we’re good’, and Liverpool still give him a monster contract, that’s insane.”
“Would be funny if Guehi ends up at Madrid instead of Konaté.”
“Getting told ‘we’re not interested in your player’ directly is rough for both Konaté and Liverpool ngl.”
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