What is next for Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool - as Real Madrid informs Premier League club it has no interest in recruiting the France international
Real Madrid have informed Liverpool they have zero interest in signing Ibrahima Konate.
Konate, 26, is in the final year of his contract at Anfield. The Frenchman is seeking a bumper pay rise that better reflects his guaranteed starter status within the squad.
However, Konate’s performance levels have plummeted this term. The player even received additional criticism after Liverpool's terrible performance in the 4-1 defeat by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League this week.
Konate was at fault for PSV’s third goal. Los Blancos were understood to have installed Konate as their No 1 defensive target for next summer.
But according to the latest from The Athletic, Real Madrid have now shelved their interest in the player. The report read: “The Athletic can reveal the La Liga side have informed their Premier League counterparts directly and unequivocally that — despite such heavy speculation — they now have no interest in recruiting the France international.”
Real Madrid will now move on to other targets. The Athletic insisted Liverpool do still hope Konate will sign an extension. The report added: “It is felt at Anfield that the club hierarchy have shown strong intent throughout to extend the 26-year-old centre-back’s career on Merseyside. However, a lot will now depend on Konate’s priorities.”
Taking to X, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed Konate and Liverpool are “still discussing” a new contract. He added: “Konaté, still discussing new deal at Liverpool. Proposal on the table, no final decision yet.”