Reports from France Reveal Liverpool’s Stance Over Ibrahima Konate’s Future Amid Real Madrid Interest | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Konaté Conundrum: Contract Talks Stall Amid PSG and Real Madrid Interest

As Liverpool fans bask in the afterglow of a triumphant Premier League campaign under Arne Slot, troubling news has emerged regarding one of the team’s key defensive pillars. Ibrahima Konaté, the 25-year-old centre-back who played an integral role in Liverpool’s title-winning season, is at the centre of a contract impasse. According to Ouest France, the Reds are yet to reach an agreement with the French international, whose current deal runs until 2026.

Having started 26 Premier League games — his most since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021 — Konaté has proven himself to be not just dependable, but dominant. His pace, power, and positional sense allowed him to flourish alongside Virgil van Dijk, forming one of the league’s most resolute partnerships.

The numbers and performances justify Liverpool’s keenness to retain him. Yet, it’s clear that both sides have differing expectations. Konaté reportedly earns £80,000 per week and is seeking a significant rise to £200,000, a figure that Liverpool are currently reluctant to meet.

Photo: IMAGO

PSG and Madrid Circle as Reds Delay

It’s no surprise then that Europe’s elite are taking note. Ouest France reports that Paris Saint-Germain is prepared to meet Konaté’s wage demands — and sweeten the deal with the promise of the captaincy and a return to his hometown. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are watching from afar, possibly plotting a move to secure him on a free when his current contract ends.

“While PSG is closely monitoring his situation, Real Madrid, for its part, is reportedly considering waiting until his contract expires to sign him on a free transfer, similar to what happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

Liverpool have learned from recent missteps, notably with Alexander-Arnold, whose own contract saga dragged on, giving suitors an opening. The Reds’ hierarchy are said to be keen to avoid a repeat. Ouest France writes: “Aware of the danger, the Reds’ management intends to intensify discussions to extend their defender’s contract.”

The tone is clear: a resolution will come — one way or another — before the summer window closes.

Player’s Ambiguity Fuels Uncertainty

While Konaté himself hasn’t revealed his hand, his recent comments to Canal+ offer little reassurance. Asked about a new deal, he simply said:

“New deal? This is a conversation with the club, and we will see.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement of his future at Anfield, but not a declaration of departure either. His measured tone perhaps reflects the uncertainty around the terms and what he wants at this stage in his career.

Photo: IMAGO

Konaté is not just a valuable player for the present — he is viewed internally and externally as a strategic asset for the next era of Liverpool Football Club. Losing him — especially for free — would represent a considerable setback both competitively and financially.

Strategic Stakes for Arne Slot’s Era

Slot’s first season could hardly have gone better. Winning the Premier League in your debut campaign is a rarity, and he did so by forging a balanced, tactically intelligent side. Konaté’s form was central to that success.

For Slot, the situation presents an early test of club philosophy. Will Liverpool meet the expectations of a player who has proven himself at the highest level, or will they stick to a structured wage system and risk alienating key personnel?

There is no margin for hesitation. As Ouest France aptly summarises: “No decision has yet been made, but a conclusion is expected in the coming weeks.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, there’s genuine reason to be uneasy about the tone of this report. Let’s be honest: when Real Madrid and PSG start circling, there’s usually smoke with that fire. The Trent Alexander-Arnold debacle still leaves a bitter taste, and it’s deeply worrying that the club could allow another cornerstone player to drift into contractual uncertainty.

Letting Konaté slip away, especially to a Champions League rival like Real Madrid, would be a self-inflicted wound. Slot has built something promising, but stability in defence is paramount. It’s not just about wages — it’s about ambition. If we won’t pay a young, world-class, title-winning centre-back £200k per week, who exactly are we saving that money for?

Some fans will argue about wage structure and sustainability. Fair enough. But football is about timing. Right now, Liverpool have a core group that can dominate for years. Losing Konaté — particularly when he wants to stay but feels undervalued — would be a catastrophic misstep in the post-Klopp transition.

The club needs to act — not just fast, but smart. Make the deal happen. He’s earned it.