Liverpool transfer news as Ibrahima Konate signing-on fee demand 'revealed'

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The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumors as Ibrahima Konate's names his price to Real Madrid, while there's speculation over who could replace Cody Gakpo in the summer

Liverpool player Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

Ibrahima Konate is reportedly eyeing an eight-figure signing-on fee from whichever club he signs a contract with this summer – if he ends up leaving Liverpool.

The French defender's current deal at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, and talks over an extension at Liverpool have not proved fruitful.

He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as a free agent in a deal similar to the one that took Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital last year.

Although a move to Madrid would technically be described as a free transfer – he certainly would not cost Los Blancos nothing at all.

Spanish outlet Defensa Central says that Konate is eyeing a signing-on fee in Madrid of between €15 million ($17 million) and €18 million ($21 million).

However, the report also adds that Madrid is not convinced about doing that, which could throw a spanner in the Frenchman's possible switch to the Bernabeu.

The suggestion is that Madrid could look to extend the contract of Antonio Rudiger if Konate does not lower his demands, which could close the door on a move to Spain for the France international.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed in February that the club remained in talks with Konate over a new deal, although there has been no suggestion that a breakthrough in talks is imminent.

Arne Slot addressed Konate's future in February

"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."

Meanwhile, Liverpool is being linked with a move to sign France international Maghnes Akliouche, who currently plays for Monaco.

The 24-year-old attacker made his Les Bleus debut last year, and he TEAMtalk says he is being considered for a possible move to Liverpool in the event that Cody Gakpo departs the club.

Gakpo is enduring a difficult season at Liverpool, and has faced plenty of criticism from supporters for his disappointing output from the left flank.

Akliouche is hardly prolific, though, having scored just seven goals in all competitions for Monaco this season.

Anthony Gordon is named as another possible replacement for Gakpo, who is reported to be the subject of interest from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.