Exclusive: Ibrahima Konate could leave Liverpool within weeks
Ibrahima Konate could leave Liverpool in the coming weeks as contract talks between player and club face potential collapse, sources have told Football Insider.
Liverpool want to resolve the France international’s future this summer, as he only has 12 months left to run on his current deal.
The Merseyside club are desperate for a resolution as soon as possible and will not wait until January for a decision – as the 26-year-old will then be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides.
Konate is still viewed as a key player at Liverpool and they are expected to advance contract negotiations in the upcoming weeks and months – with a final deadline set for the end of this summer window.
Liverpool could accept Konate offer as Real Madrid swoop
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Konate and could look to capitalise on his current uncertain contract situation in order to pull off the deal.
Earlier in the window, Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish giants after he refused to sign a new deal at his boyhood club.
Paris Saint-Germain are another club keeping tabs on Konate, while Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have also been credited with an interest.
Despite the wealth of interest from abroad, Liverpool are keen to tie the centre-back down to a new deal – but will not risk a repeat of Alexander-Arnold’s exit.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 31 | 1 | 2 |
The France international started 30 Premier League games in the 2024-25 campaign as Arne Slot’s side wrapped up the title with ease.
Konate has struck up a formidable partnership with fellow defender Virgil van Dijk since his move to Anfield back in 2021.
Liverpool’s wage bill surpasses £400m
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed last week (11 June) that Liverpool’s wage bill is expected to have surpassed £400million for the first time in the 2024-25 season.
Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk are the highest earners at Anfield, with the duo both believed to be on around £400,000 a week after signing new deals in April.
A new deal for Konate could bloat that wage bill even further.
Liverpool’s wage bill increased from £373million to a record £386million in 2023-24 when they finished third in the Premier League table.
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