Ibrahima Konate closer to STAYING after latest contract twist

Liverpool are locked in a contract standoff with Ibrahima Konate.

The French defender, 26, signed for the Reds back in 2021 – on a £35m deal from RB Leipzig.

But his current deal runs out in summer 2026 – meaning that unless things change the France international will be leaving on a free at the end of the season.

Liverpool are reported to have made several attempts to tie the stopper down to a new contract – but have so far fallen short of Konate’s demands.

Madrid lay down the law to Konate

Richard Hughes will be against losing Konate for free but needs to balance that eventuality against paying excessive amounts for a renewal.

Real Madrid are of course lying in wait for the former Sochaux defender. With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger BOTH out of contract in 2026, president Florentino Perez is planning a defensive overhaul.

But if Konate thinks he is going to get what he wants at the Bernabeu then he is set for disappointment. A report in Don Balon suggests that Perez has turned down the signing of Konate – owing to his excessive salary demands.

Konate wants to be Madrid’s best-paid defender

The club president has made it known that unless he lowers his demands then he has no chance of getting a deal at Real Madrid.

The report states that Konate has made it known he wishes to be Real Madrid’s best-paid defender. Rudiger and Eder Militao are reported by Capology to be making €280k per week gross while Alaba’s salary is estimated at over €430k per week.

Konate’s justification for what he’s charging is that he will move on no transfer fee – therefore saving Madrid money in the market.

Konate will be told NO by Madrid

“The message is clear: if the Frenchman wants a lot of money and to be the highest-paid player in his position, the Santiago Bernabéu is not the place to get it,” the report reads.

It also warns that Real Madrid will not open a Pandora’s box by offering a mammoth salary and bonus to Konate. Otherwise they risk other players due a renewal coming to them for huge increased.

Therefore Konate will have to get in line with the salaries currently on offer at the Bernabeu.

Konate SHOULD stay

“The sporting directors have already informed the Frenchman ‘s entourage that either he lowers his demands or the deal is immediately ruled out,” the report states.

This could be seen as a boost to keeping Konate at the club long term. It’s clear that Madrid do not see him as a player worth breaking their pay limits for – meaning that the financial incentive to moving to the Spanish capital is removed.

And if Konate wants to carry on with a successful sporting project then he already knows he is at the best club possible.

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