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Ibrahima Konate already made his feelings clear when a potential move to Real Madrid was put to him - and it might not fill Liverpool fans with hope over his contract situation.
The center-back’s current deal runs until the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move away from Liverpool. Real Madrid is reportedly interested in signing Konate on a free transfer next summer, coming after Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Los Blancos at the end of his Liverpool contract.
Konate and Liverpool have been in negotiations over an extension for more than a year, but no agreement has been reached. Recent reports have suggested though that the Reds are confident he will sign a new deal, although that stance has changed at various times.
While Liverpool was able to leverage last summer’s Club World Cup to secure a $13 million transfer fee for Alexander-Arnold just weeks before his contract expired, the same approach may not be possible with Konate.
Amid talk of a potential move, some of Konate’s past comments about Real Madrid could add fuel to the speculation.
In February, reports surfaced linking Konate with potential summer moves to both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
At the time, the defender spoke to French outlet Telefoot about his season, during which he also shared his thoughts on the possibility of joining clubs like Madrid and PSG.
Asked about the links, he said: “To hear big clubs like that are showing interest in me is very flattering! Now I’m focusing on this season, giving it my all and I’ll let my agents take care of the rest.”
This week, reports circulated online claiming that Liverpool had tabled a final offer for the French defender. However, ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan, Konate dismissed those claims, while also suggesting he wants to make an announcement on his future soon.
“I've seen a lot of things,” he told journalists with a smile. “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.”
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Liverpool is keen to secure Konate on a new contract, with the center-back remaining one of Arne Slot’s most trusted players, having started all 15 Premier League and Champions League matches this season.
His form, however, has been inconsistent, with standout performances against the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid occasionally offset by less convincing displays.
Should Konate leave, particularly on a free transfer, it would be a significant loss for Slot’s side. To help guard against that possibility, reports suggest Liverpool is actively considering a move for Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi, who is also out of contract next summer.
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