Liverpool may be considering a bold decision regarding the future of Ibrahima Konate, with the defender approaching the final year of his contract and Real Madrid showing increasing interest.
The Spanish club are reportedly looking to repeat the strategy that saw them secure Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer in 2024. They followed that up by signing another high-profile player, Trent Alexander-Arnold, for a modest fee of £8.5m (€10m) in June 2025 in order to include him in their Club World Cup squad.
Madrid are now believed to be targeting Konate as their next major acquisition, with the Frenchman’s current deal at Anfield due to expire in June 2026.
Liverpool may act early to avoid free exit
According to Ekrem Konur via X, Liverpool are considering selling the France international as early as the January 2026 transfer window. While the source’s reliability is debatable, the move would make financial sense for the Premier League leaders.
By selling Konate in January, Liverpool could avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer and reinvest in a replacement during the same window.
The 25-year-old centre-back has made 25 appearances for the French national team and is considered a key figure at Anfield. However, reports suggest he is not willing to extend his stay, with a move to Real Madrid appearing to be his preferred destination.
Valuation set between £34m and £51m
Liverpool could reportedly place an asking price between £34m and £51m (€40m–€60m) for Konate. While Transfermarkt currently values him at €60m (£51m), it may be difficult for the club to secure a fee beyond that, given he will have just six months remaining on his contract in January.
Real Madrid, who may prefer to wait and sign Konate for free in the summer of 2026, could be forced to act sooner if other clubs enter the race. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are among the potential competitors who might push Madrid to submit a winter bid.
Liverpool’s next Champions League opponents, Marseille, will also be keeping an eye on the situation surrounding one of the Reds’ regular starters.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
