Ibrahima Konate is yet to decide on his future despite claims in Spain that a move to Real Madrid was a “done deal,” but contract talks with Liverpool remain uncertain.
Konate is into the final year of his contract at Liverpool and a similar situation to last season appears to be playing out.
While Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah eventually signed new deals with the Premier League champions, Trent Alexander-Arnold sidestepped all questions on his future and joined Real Madrid as his terms neared expiry.
Real are now courting Konate and Spanish publication Marca claimed last week that Liverpool now view his exit as a “done deal.”
However, The Athletic‘s James Pearce reports that sources close to the defender himself insist he is yet to commit to a move to Madrid.
No clarity over talks with Liverpool
Talks between Liverpool and Konate’s representatives are described as “problematic,” with it now closing on a year since sporting director Richard Hughes first began contact over a new deal.
Though the late agreements with both Van Dijk and Salah do offer hope, the longer the impasse continues the more likely it appears that Liverpool’s No. 5 will move on.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reports that Arsenal have now agreed a new deal with William Saliba, which could increase the likelihood of Real stepping up their pursuit of Konate.
In July, journalist David Lynch explained his belief that Konate’s “priority is to renew with Liverpool,” and the player certainly hasn’t given an indication that he has resolved to leave.
But speaking in May, the Frenchman hinted at a difference in what Liverpool are prepared to offer and what he is seeking in terms of his next contract.
“I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here to be fair,” he told reporters.
“This is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I don’t know when but we will see, let me say that.
“Progressing? Not really – but my agent met the club last week but I don’t know what will happen.
“I cannot say what my agent said to me but yeah, we will see what will happen.”
Konate added: “They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it.”
As is the case with Liverpool target Marc Guehi, if Konate were to join another club on a free transfer it would be significantly more lucrative to him than if a transfer fee was required.