Konate’s Future Takes Fresh Twist as Real Madrid Pull Out, Leaving Liverpool Negotiations Wide Open

Liverpool’s ongoing contract saga with Ibrahima Konate has taken a dramatic new turn after Real Madrid emphatically informed the Reds they are no longer pursuing the French defender. The revelation removes the biggest external threat to Liverpool’s hopes of keeping the centre-back, but also leaves Konate at a crossroads as he weighs his next move.

Konate, 26, is now in the final year of his Anfield contract and has been seeking a bumper new deal that reflects his status as a guaranteed starter. However, this season his performances have dipped alarmingly. Mistakes have crept into his game, costing Liverpool goals with worrying regularity and raising questions about whether he deserves the extension he is demanding.

For months, the belief within the fanbase was that Konate’s head had been turned by Real Madrid’s interest. The La Liga giants were widely reported to have placed him at the top of their defensive wishlist for next summer. With the freedom to negotiate a pre-contract from January 1, the timing seemed perfect for them to strike.

But according to The Athletic, Madrid have directly informed Liverpool that they have zero interest in signing him. The line from Spain has been described as “unequivocal,” signalling the end of what once appeared to be their strongest pursuit.

Madrid will move on to alternative targets, with Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano who is also out of contract next summer among those on their radar.

That leaves Konate’s future firmly in Liverpool’s hands, though the path forward remains far from straightforward.

The Athletic report stresses that Liverpool still hope to secure a contract extension. Figures close to the negotiations believe the club’s strong intent may yet resonate with the player and could sway his decision. The club hierarchy reportedly feels it has done everything within reason to convince Konate to continue his career on Merseyside though whether that will be enough depends on the player’s priorities.

Fabrizio Romano also weighed in, confirming on X that “Konate and Liverpool are still discussing a new deal.” The Italian reporter added that an offer is on the table, but “no final decision has been made.” Importantly, he reaffirmed that Madrid are no longer in the race.

With Madrid gone, attention now turns to whether other clubs re-emerge. PSG and Chelsea have been loosely linked, though neither has shown concrete intent, and much of that speculation was drowned out by the Real Madrid narrative.

As things stand, Liverpool want him to stay, the contract proposal is active, and Konate’s most glamorous suitor has exited the stage. All signs point toward an eventual renewal provided Konate sees his long-term future at Anfield.

The pressure on everyone involved is intensified by Liverpool’s wider struggles. Arne Slot is under serious scrutiny, and sources claim the club may need to make ruthless decisions regarding underperforming players if the season is to be salvaged. Reports even suggest FSG already have a shortlist of potential successors in case Slot cannot steady the ship.

For Konate, the equation is simple but delicate: commit to Liverpool and rebuild his form, or risk stepping into the unknown without the Real Madrid safety net. The coming weeks will reveal which path he chooses.