It’s no secret to Liverpool’s management that Real Madrid is trying to sign Ibrahima Konate, whether this summer or next, for free. However, the Reds are hopeful that things will change and the player will not move to the royal club, using a weapon previously used with Mohamed Salah.
According to AS, Konate has so far categorically refused to renew his contract with Liverpool, at a time when Real Madrid wants to secure his services this summer and is willing to pay a maximum of €25 million to close the deal.
Initially, Liverpool is calm, and the English club is willing to sell Konate this summer, but for at least €50 million. Real Madrid’s financial situation will not allow it to increase his contract, and Florentino Pérez’s administration does not mind waiting until next summer to sign him for free.
The option to sign Konate on a free transfer appears to be an attempt to pressure Liverpool to avoid financial losses. However, in reality, the Reds have a plan in place and are willing to accept the French international next season, even if they risk losing him for nothing in the summer of 2026.
Liverpool’s current strategy is to be patient with Konate and renegotiate with him throughout the season, just as they did with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Perhaps Arne Slot’s successes this season will contribute to smoother and more successful negotiations.
It’s worth noting that this strategy failed with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ultimately decided to join Real Madrid. This means that Liverpool’s management has decided to take a risk rather than secure money. The reason for this is that they view the value of €25 million for one of the world’s most important defenders as completely unreasonable and highly unfair.
It’s worth noting that Konate, 26, has informed those around him that he wants to play for Real Madrid and no other club when his contract with Liverpool expires. There is reportedly communication between the player’s camp and the Spanish club, and a near-agreement on personal terms has already been reached.
