KONATÉ CONTRACT STALLS AS LIVERPOOL SET £40M ASKING PRICE AND TRANSFER RACE HEATS UP

KONATÉ CONTRACT STALLS AS LIVERPOOL SET £40M ASKING PRICE AND TRANSFER RACE HEATS UP

Liverpool, July 2025 – Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Ibrahima Konaté, with just weeks remaining before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off. The 26-year-old centre-back is now in the final year of his contract, and Liverpool have reportedly set a £40 million valuation as interest mounts across Europe.

Real Madrid Lead Long-Standing Interest, More Clubs Join the Chase

According to journalist David Lynch (via Sports Mole), Real Madrid remain firmly interested in signing the France international, who has also attracted attention from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

While Konaté is said to prefer staying at Liverpool, progress in contract negotiations has stalled. Talks have yet to reach a breaking point, but the lack of movement is creating growing concern inside Anfield. Eurosport journalist Martin Mosnier previously described Konaté as a “monster” at the back — and clubs across Europe clearly agree.

CaughtOffside: £40M Price Tag May Not Be Enough to Deter Suitors

A report from CaughtOffside claims Liverpool have placed a £40 million price tag on Konaté as they look to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer. However, multiple clubs reportedly consider that valuation “too high” given the player’s current contract situation.

The same report, citing sources within the industry, adds that there’s no clear breakthrough expected soon in talks between Konaté’s representatives and the club.

Liverpool’s Dilemma: Sell Now or Risk Losing for Free

Liverpool now face a familiar challenge — whether to cash in on a key player before contract expiry or risk another high-profile exit without a fee. Last season, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all entered the final year of their deals, creating significant off-pitch tension. While those situations were ultimately managed, Konaté’s case feels more uncertain.

The concern is compounded by a lack of depth in central defence. With only Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as other senior centre-back options, manager Arne Slot would be short on cover if Konaté departs this summer.

At 26, and with Champions League experience, Konaté would typically command a much higher transfer fee. But Liverpool’s bargaining power is weakened by the looming expiration of his contract. Unless progress is made soon, the club may be forced into a cut-price sale — or risk losing him for free in 2026.

Final Talks Ahead?

Liverpool are yet to comment publicly, but with interest intensifying and time running short, the coming weeks will be critical. Konaté’s performances have made him a cornerstone of the back line since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021 — but now, both player and club face a decision that could shape their seasons ahead.