Liverpool push to keep Konaté amid Real Madrid interest

Liverpool have stepped up efforts to keep centre back Ibrahima Konaté at Anfield, with club officials reportedly confident a new contract can be agreed even as the France international enters the final nine months of his current deal. Konaté, 26, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, is out of contract at the end of the season and has attracted interest from Real Madrid and other European clubs.

Club sources say fresh talks are underway after negotiations were paused last season so Konaté could focus on Liverpool’s title push. Liverpool submitted a revised offer in recent weeks and remain engaged with the player’s representatives, according to French reports that first detailed the latest developments. Insiders describe the situation as active but not closed, with key terms still to be resolved.

A major sticking point in talks is salary. Konaté has been widely reported to be seeking a significant pay rise — figures around 200,000 pounds per week have circulated — while earlier public estimates of his current pay varied widely. Observers and club officials describe those demands as central to ongoing discussions and say both sides are attempting to bridge the gap.