Romano: Liverpool risk losing key player with Madrid circling | OneFootball

Konate Future in Doubt as Real Madrid Circle Amid Contract Standoff

Madrid make their move

Liverpool’s efforts to extend Ibrahima Konate’s stay at Anfield have hit a roadblock, with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid monitoring the situation closely. The French international has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and with little progress made on an extension, alarm bells are beginning to ring within the corridors of the AXA Training Centre.

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Real Madrid’s interest has moved beyond mere curiosity. According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking to DAZN Football, “We can confirm that Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Ibrahima Konate in the summer of 2026 on a free transfer.” While no official offer has been tabled, the groundwork is clearly being laid.

“Real Madrid are really interested in the player,” Romano continued. “They already had some contact to understand the situation of the player. Real Madrid are very attentive to the situation.”

Liverpool at a crossroads

Konate’s name has become a topic of increasing concern for Liverpool fans in recent days. Having already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold in similar circumstances earlier this summer, the fear of another key player walking for nothing is not lost on the club’s hierarchy.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite negotiations having once neared a resolution, those talks have since regressed. “At some point around October, November, the agreement for his contract was very close,” Romano noted. “Then the situation changed again between Liverpool and Konate. At this point the agreement is not close at all.”

There remains no clarity on whether Konate wishes to continue on Merseyside. A report from Spain recently claimed the defender had already made his mind up and would not sign a new deal, with his sights firmly set on a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Cash or conflict

Liverpool now face a crucial decision. With no indication from Madrid that they are willing to part with a fee for the centre-back, the club may be forced to consider selling Konate in this transfer window to avoid losing him for nothing.

“There is nothing official, also because the player is still a Liverpool player. Real Madrid will respect that,” Romano confirmed. “But their interest is there. So for sure Madrid always monitor this kind of situations with player side of contract and Konate is one of them.”

Photo: IMAGO

So far, no other clubs have been linked with a move, leaving Real Madrid in a strong position should Liverpool be pushed into action. “Let’s see what is going to happen in the next weeks between Konate and Liverpool because eventually they are complications,” Romano concluded. “Liverpool decide to sell the player this summer, for Real Madrid, it could be a last minute opportunity.”

Time ticking for Liverpool

This situation now mirrors the club’s wider contractual strategy and will raise questions about future planning and player retention. Konate has been an important figure since his arrival and losing him without compensation would represent a significant setback, both sporting and financial.

As things stand, Liverpool are locked in a delicate balancing act. With Madrid watching, Konate’s future may soon take a decisive turn.