Atletico Madrid make 40m offer to sign Liverpool star | OneFootball

Atletico’s €40m Konaté Bid Rejected as Defender Eyes Real Madrid Move

Atletico make their move for Liverpool centre-back

According to a report from Defensa Central, Atletico Madrid have made a €40 million bid for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté. The 26-year-old France international, who is out of contract in 2026, has emerged as a high-priority target for Diego Simeone as the Spanish giants look to strengthen their backline this summer.

With limited success in their earlier approach for Andy Robertson—due to Atletico’s unwillingness to meet Liverpool’s valuation—the Madrid club have now turned their attention to another Reds defender. But again, it seems they’ve been met with resistance.

Konaté unmoved by Atletico interest

Despite Atletico’s €40m offer, Konaté has reportedly shown no interest in a move to the Wanda Metropolitano. Instead, he is said to have a very specific destination in mind should he leave Anfield.

“Simeone has tried to sign Konaté in recent weeks, offering Liverpool 40 million euros for the transfer,” the Defensa Central report states.

“However, the player has made it clear to Atlético that he’s not interested, which is why they’re pursuing Cuti Romero. The Frenchman told Atlético that if he left Liverpool, ‘I’ll only go to Real Madrid,’ because otherwise he’d rather stay with the English club.”

Future in flux as Real Madrid dream persists

Konaté’s admiration for Real Madrid is reportedly so strong that he would prefer to remain at Liverpool rather than move anywhere else—unless it’s to Los Blancos. This echoes the recent saga involving Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also allowed his contract to run down before securing a high-profile switch to the Bernabéu.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s a worrying situation for Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who now faces a familiar dilemma: renew or cash in. With Konaté’s contract set to expire in 2026 and no sign of an extension on the horizon, the Reds must either agree new terms soon or risk losing a major asset for nothing.

Liverpool’s position and what happens next

If Konaté stays loyal to his word and Real Madrid don’t make an offer this summer, Liverpool could retain his services. But given his value and pedigree, the Reds will be under pressure to secure either a new deal or an exit that benefits them financially.

Atletico’s fallback option—Cuti Romero—only underscores the growing urgency in the market for top-level defenders. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s ability to retain their stars amid Real Madrid interest could become the dominant theme of the transfer window.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the Konaté saga is troubling for several reasons. First and foremost, the notion of another top player potentially running down their contract to join Real Madrid brings back recent memories of the Trent Alexander-Arnold departure. While fans will sympathise with players seeking new challenges, particularly at clubs like Madrid, the frustration lies in the sense of powerlessness—especially when the player is entering his prime.

Ibrahima Konaté has become a key part of Liverpool’s defensive line-up. Though injuries have interrupted his rhythm at times, his blend of pace, strength, and composure makes him a central figure in Arne Slot’s setup. To see him leave for free in 2026—without Liverpool being able to reinvest any funds—would be a significant blow.

Richard Hughes will need to move smartly here. If Konaté is unwilling to sign a new deal, then Liverpool should be proactive and test Real Madrid’s resolve this summer. Failing that, the club must build an environment where Konaté feels central to the team’s long-term project—because fans have already watched too many stars exit without proper replacement.

One thing’s for certain: if Liverpool lose Konaté in the same fashion as Trent, supporters will expect the club to be much more strategic in protecting its future.