Report: Liverpool submits improved contract offer to fend off Madrid interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Moves to Secure Konaté as Madrid Lurks

When Real Madrid shows interest in a player, few clubs can afford complacency. That reality is starting to hit home at Liverpool, who are now actively trying to avoid becoming the latest high-profile victim of the Spanish giant’s free-transfer strategy.

According to Foot Mercato, the Reds have made an improved contract offer to Ibrahima Konaté, whose current deal expires in 2026. Though that date might seem a safe distance away, Liverpool’s urgency is understandable. Konaté, 26, has not responded to earlier extension approaches, and “Real Madrid is a destination that inspires him.”

This isn’t unfamiliar ground for Madrid. Their ability to sign marquee names once contracts tick into their final 12 months is well-documented. From Kylian Mbappé to Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Bernabéu’s recruitment machine operates with patience and precision. For Liverpool, the memories of losing a player like Alexander-Arnold on a free still linger. Konaté could be next.

Contract Clarity for Arne Slot Era

Since Arne Slot’s appointment, the club’s recruitment and retention strategy has shifted towards stability and sustainability. That makes Konaté’s situation all the more pressing. Not just because of his ability, but because of what he represents. He is the future and present of the backline, he is the perfect partner for Van Dijk and could be a leader in the backline for years to come.

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Konaté’s performances when fit have often set the standard. His ability to recover ground, engage in one-on-one duels and play through pressure is tailor-made for the high-octane football Liverpool fans expect. Letting him edge towards free agency would be a failure of foresight.

Madrid’s Silent Pressure Mounts

Madrid’s style is subtle but seismic. No aggressive bids, no drawn-out negotiations. Just a long, quiet stare across the continent until the contract clock runs down. Liverpool know the drill. And so, they’ve responded with what Foot Mercato describes as “a new extension offer. An upward offer, of course.”

It’s now up to Konaté to consider the weight of that proposal. A new manager, the possibility of captaining a reshaped backline, and an improved financial package all lie on one side. On the other, the glamour and grandeur of Madrid.

Timing Could Be Everything

What happens next may not hinge solely on money or minutes. If Konaté is tempted by Madrid, Liverpool’s best chance lies in acting decisively before the lure becomes irresistible. This extension offer is not just an attempt to retain a defender. It is an attempt to signal that the era of letting generational talents slip away for free must end here.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this is exactly the kind of proactive approach we want to see from the club. Konaté has quietly become a very reliable centre-back. He’s still only 26 and just entering his prime. If we’re serious about challenging for trophies under Arne Slot, these are the types of players we build around.

It’s worrying that he hasn’t responded yet. That Madrid interest is always a red flag. They don’t chase players for no reason, and with his contract running into its final two years, the timing aligns with their strategy perfectly. Just look at what they did with Trent.

But this improved offer is a step in the right direction. It shows we’ve learned from past mistakes. We can’t keep losing world-class talent for nothing. If Konaté is inspired by Madrid, fair enough, but we need to show ambition now.

Fans will want this wrapped up quickly. If he signs, brilliant. If he doesn’t, we need to be prepared to sell in 2025, not wait until 2026 and risk losing another key player for free. He’s too important to be caught in limbo.