3 weeks ago
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Ibrahima Konate's priority is to extend his contract at Liverpool, despite links with Spanish giant Real Madrid. It is reported that talks between the Reds and Konate over a fresh deal appear to have stalled in recent times.
Konate's current Liverpool contract is due to expire next summer, and he has seemingly been identified as a possible transfer target for Madrid in 2026. Madrid has made a habit of signing high-profile free agents, with Trent Alexander-Arnold the latest recruit after the acquisitions of Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba in recent years.
Konate, who has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain — the club he supported as a boy — is still on the same terms that he signed upon signing for Liverpool in 2021, meaning he is underpaid in relation to his standing in the squad as one of Arne Slot's first-choice defenders.
Konate, who has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain — the club he supported as a boy — is still on the same terms that he signed upon signing for Liverpool in 2021, meaning he is underpaid in relation to his standing in the squad as one of Arne Slot's first-choice defenders.
Liverpool journalist David Lynch claimed there is an appetite from Konate to remain at Anfield despite Real Madrid's 'clear interest'. Lynch states that he 'gets the feeling' that Konate's 'priority' is to renew with Liverpool after speaking to people close to him.
Konate confirmed earlier this season that he had been offered fresh terms to renew his deal at Liverpool but would not be drawn on whether he intended to stay. "It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool,” Konate said during a press conference in January. "Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation."
At the end of last season, Konate appeared to address claims that he wanted his salary to increase from £80,000 ($108,000) per week to £200,000 ($271,000) per week in order to sign a renewal.
"You know, I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake," Konate said. "I didn't even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it.
"The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end... I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: 'Ah, they have more information than me?!'
"It was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen."
Konate would go on to add: "Progressing? Not really but my agent met the club last week but I don't know what will happen. I cannot say what my agent said to me but yeah, we will see what will happen."
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