France international Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool future is up in the air and he has reportedly made it clear that he would want to join Real Madrid were he to leave Anfield
Ibrahima Konate Considering Real Madrid Switch Amid Contract Standoff
Ibrahima Konate may have just come off his best season in a Liverpool shirt, playing a pivotal role in the club’s remarkable Premier League title triumph, but uncertainty surrounds his future at Anfield.
According to reports from Sky Sport, the French defender is yet to agree terms on a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in less than 12 months. The 26-year-old is believed to earn around $100,000 per week, but is seeking a pay rise to approximately $270,000 to commit his long-term future to the Reds.
Real Madrid Beckons?
Sources suggest that Konate has his eyes firmly set on Real Madrid should he depart Liverpool. While Los Blancos recently brought in Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, they aren’t actively chasing another centre-back this summer — but Konate would reportedly be willing to wait until next year to secure a free transfer to the Bernabeu.
Interest has also emerged from the Saudi Pro League, but Konate is said to have no desire to leave top-level European football at this stage of his career.
While Liverpool haven’t ruled out a contract renewal, all signs point to Madrid being his preferred destination if no agreement is reached.
A Tough Return to AXA
Konate, along with the rest of Arne Slot’s squad, was scheduled to return to pre-season training this week. Players were granted an extra day off following the heartbreaking death of teammate Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a tragic car accident in Spain.
Jota had opted to travel back to Liverpool by road after undergoing lung surgery, and had been advised against flying.
Konate was among the Liverpool stars who attended Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. The emotional ceremony served as a painful reminder of the fragility of life — something Konate reflected on in a powerful Instagram tribute:
“Diogo… I still can’t believe it. I’m devastated. I have no words to express my feelings. Beyond the extraordinary footballer you were, there was an exceptional man, a friend, and brother.
This club, this family that we shared together, will never forget you.
You can be sure of one thing: your family won’t walk alone. We’ll be there to help them through this devastating moment.
Let’s enjoy every moment life offers us, with our families, friends, even strangers. We don’t know what tomorrow brings.
I LOVE YOU, MY BROTHER.”