Liverpool set price for key player with Madrid watching closely | OneFootball

Liverpool Stand Firm on Konaté as Real Madrid Circle Ahead of 2026 Contract Deadline

Summer exit demands met with hard line stance

Liverpool have drawn a firm line in the sand over Ibrahima Konaté’s future, insisting that any club wanting to sign the French defender this summer must pay €50 million. That is the valuation now set at Anfield, despite the 26-year-old entering the final year of his deal and communicating that his only preferred destination is Real Madrid.

Photo: IMAGO

According to Spanish outlet AS, “Liverpool are willing to sell him, but Konaté has conveyed that he would only leave for Real Madrid.” With Madrid only offering €20–25 million, a significant gulf in valuation has left the transfer in stalemate.

Konaté has already rejected two contract extension offers from Liverpool, and “at present, he is not even considering renewing.” The Reds are navigating a highly restrictive market, given the player’s sole desire to join Los Blancos. The options are binary: sell now for a cut-price fee or risk losing him on a free in 2026.

Madrid confident patience will pay off

Real Madrid’s approach has been methodical. They have identified Konaté as a future asset, but have no intention of overspending to secure him ahead of schedule. AS states, “This is Plan A from the Bernabéu: wait until his contract expires and sign him for free.” Madrid are willing to wait twelve months if Liverpool refuse to negotiate within their price range.

Photo IMAGO

The Spanish side are playing the long game. Konaté wants the move, and Madrid believe the pressure is on Liverpool, not them. Their strategy mirrors past pursuits, including Antonio Rüdiger, who eventually arrived on a free.

Contract poker and Liverpool’s defensive dilemma

Inside Anfield, there is a divide on the best course of action. Some advocate for the ‘Salah formula’, keeping the player for the final year of his deal and convincing him to extend during the season. That approach worked with both Van Dijk and Salah, who re-signed after public doubt over their futures.

Photo: IMAGO

However, others fear a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation, where a player ran down his contract and left for nothing. One source reportedly said, “It’s happening again.”

Liverpool’s position is complicated further by a lack of depth at centre-back. With Jarell Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen, only Van Dijk, Konaté and Gomez remain. Joe Gomez spent 137 days injured last season, making the risk of losing Konaté more significant than simply financial.

Player profile and tactical fit in Madrid

Konaté remains one of Europe’s most imposing central defenders. A 1.94-metre tall right-footer, he has earned 19 international caps with France. Known for his dominance in aerial duels and one-on-one defending, he combines intensity with positional awareness, although concerns over injuries and distribution remain.

Madrid are especially intrigued by his comfort in a back three, having thrived as the central figure at RB Leipzig. Under Xabi Alonso, he could feature alongside Éder Militão and Dean Huijsen, particularly if Aurélien Tchouaméni returns to midfield.

Madrid’s long-term plan includes phasing out Alaba and Rüdiger in 2026. Konaté’s potential arrival this summer would crowd the defensive ranks, but if the opportunity arises for €20–25 million, they are ready to sign off immediately. Otherwise, they are content to wait.

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It is hard not to feel concerned by the direction of this situation. On the one hand, it is admirable that the club are holding their ground with a clear valuation of €50 million. Konaté is a top-level defender, still in his prime, and selling him cheaply to Real Madrid would set a dangerous precedent.

But on the other hand, the risk here is very real. Konaté has no interest in renewing. He has already turned down two offers. If this drags into next summer and he walks for free, Liverpool will not only lose a quality player without compensation, but they will also face huge pressure to replace him in a difficult market.

Defensively, the squad is already light. Quansah is gone, Gomez has fitness concerns, and Van Dijk cannot play every minute. Konaté leaving this summer without a replacement would feel like a gamble that could impact Liverpool’s entire campaign.

There is still time to navigate this. Perhaps a compromise fee with Madrid is possible. Perhaps the player can be convinced over the course of the season. But letting this drag into the final year of his contract without clarity would leave the club vulnerable.