Everything we know about Ibrahima Konate contract as Real Madrid still in race

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is at a crossroads in his career and must decide whether to continue with the Reds or seek a new challenge elsewhere

Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool contract is up in the summer(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)

Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool future remains up in the air, ahead of the expiry of his current contract at the end of the season.

Konate remains on the same terms he signed upon joining Liverpool in 2021, and, as things stand, he will be able to join a new club on a free transfer in the summer.

Konate has been free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of the English league system since New Year's Day, but that has not yet happened.

The Frenchman will want a significant pay rise wherever he is playing next season – and that is understandable considering his heightened standing in the game.

Konate established himself as a first-choice pick in Liverpool's defense at the start of last season, forging an important partnerswhip with Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.

Slot's latest update

Arne Slot revealed earlier this month that talks are being held with Konate over a contract renewal at Anfield.

"We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want," Slot said. "It's clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let's see where that ends. We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay."

Slot added: "He has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I've been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind."

Arne Slot and Ibrahima Konate(Image: Getty Images)

Which clubs are interested in signing Konate?

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are the two clubs that have been most heavily linked with a move for Konate, who is a Paris Saint-Germain supporter.

It was reported earlier in the season that Konate's disappointing form at the start of the campaign had led Madrid to end its interest in the Frenchman, but it is now rumored that Madrid is still considering a move for the France international, a year on from signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in similar circumstances.

What's Konate had to say?

Konate has not had much to say on his contract talks with Liverpool, with his most recent comments coming during an international break toward the end of last year.

“I've seen a lot of things,” he said during a France press conference. “Liverpool have reportedly made me a new offer, I don't know where that information came from. My agents are still in discussions with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it.”

Later during the international break, Konate added: “It's difficult. We can’t say everything because a lot of things are already being said in the media.

“Some of the things that I read, I’m like... oh la la. That puts me in a tight spot with Liverpool fans, and they don’t even know all the ins and outs.”