Journalist: Liverpool Star ‘Keen to Stay’ Despite Real Madrid Interest | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate Set to Commit Future to Liverpool Amid Real Madrid Interest

Ibrahima Konate appears poised to rebuff interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid as talks with Liverpool over a contract extension continue. French journalist Abdellah Boulma has reported that while no agreement has yet been finalised, Konate is “happy at the club and keen to stay.”

Madrid’s interest, intensified after their signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold earlier this summer, had threatened to unsettle Liverpool’s title-winning squad. With Konate’s current deal expiring in 2026, the Spanish club had initially aimed for a free transfer next summer, but with Xabi Alonso eager to reinforce his back line immediately, Madrid were reportedly ready to act sooner.

Contract Offer Signals Liverpool’s Intent

Liverpool, for their part, have responded decisively. According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Reds have put forward a lucrative new contract for the French centre-back, one that would “significantly increase his wages.” That move underlines the club’s determination to retain their Premier League-winning core under Arne Slot, who masterminded their title success in his first season.

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FootMercato earlier revealed that the Merseyside outfit are willing to stretch their wage structure to secure Konate’s services long-term, recognising the 26-year-old as a vital component of their defensive unit.

Despite Madrid reportedly valuing Konate at just €25m (£21.8m), Liverpool’s internal valuation stands at double that figure, reportedly around €50m (£43.6m), demonstrating their reluctance to let him leave under market value.

Focused on Pre-Season and Back-to-Back Titles

Konate’s own words further reinforce the sense of loyalty and focus. Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, he acknowledged both the challenges and the opportunity that lie ahead:

“Last season we came back with a new manager and he had a very good idea… we just followed what he said and at the end we had a good result for the club. I think this season will be more difficult.”

His reflections on the upcoming campaign reflect a professional determined to push for continued success:

“We were champions last season and it’s finished now, we have to go again and try to do something even better… every team wants to beat us – and we want to protect our trophy from last season as well.”

These comments suggest Konate is mentally and physically preparing for another demanding season, one where Liverpool will be the side every other Premier League team wants to dethrone.

Liverpool’s Transfer Stance Clear

Amid links with star forward Alexander Isak and ongoing discussions surrounding Darwin Nunez’s future, Liverpool’s approach is evident. They’re committed to strengthening selectively, not reacting hastily in the market, and retaining key figures like Konate. If Konate’s new deal is signed soon, it will represent another win in what’s shaping up to be an assertive summer strategy.

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There’s a growing sense of optimism among the Liverpool faithful, and this news only reinforces that. Keeping Konate at the heart of the defence is not just about continuity, it’s about maintaining a title-winning formula that has already proven itself under Arne Slot.

With Konate publicly praising Slot’s leadership and speaking so highly of the squad’s mentality, it feels inevitable that he will sign the deal. Fans are fully behind him. After the heartbreak of losing Diogo Jota last month, supporters have been craving some stability, some good news, and this contract development offers just that.

Konate’s loyalty also speaks volumes about the environment Slot has created. It’s no coincidence that players are turning down the lure of Madrid to stay on Merseyside. The ambition is clear: go again and win back-to-back Premier League titles, and perhaps push further in Europe.

Should Konate put pen to paper soon, it will be celebrated by fans as one of the most important ‘signings’ of the summer. It will also send a strong message to rivals: Liverpool are no longer just a team on the rise – they’re a club determined to stay at the top.