Liverpool ready to make contract decision on Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool are preparing for another busy summer transfer window in 2026, after a £400m+ spending spree of the previous 12 months. The search will be on for a new central defender, and that is set to happen regardless of whether Ibrahima Konate stays or leaves.

Konate’s situation has attracted strong speculation in recent months, with the defender’s contract expiring at the end of the season. Liverpool are in talks over a new deal and were in pole position to secure a deal after Real Madrid ended their interest in the France international.

However, there is still a very good chance that Konate will no longer be a Liverpool player come the start of next season, despite Real Madrid’s refusal.

Liverpool are willing to let Ibrahima Konate leave as a free agent

According to football Insider, Mick Brown has revealed that Liverpool are strongly considering not offering Konate a new contract, which could see him leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent.

“Real Madrid withdrawing does not mean he will stay at Liverpool. From what I have been told, they have concerns about him, and those concerns have only been added to by his disappointing performances so far this season. The good side of him is very good, but there is a weakness there where he is vulnerable to losing the game by letting something slip away.”

“I think Liverpool think they can promote him, so they have second thoughts about whether to extend his contract, although that is still an option. Even if Real Madrid don’t sign him, there are still suitors for him, so he will still have the opportunity to leave Liverpool if his contract expires.

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“I wasn’t at all surprised to hear Real Madrid were pulling out. They’ve been monitoring him so far this season and decided they needed someone more consistent and reliable. By the same token, I think Liverpool would be willing to let him go, so there’s every chance he’ll leave Liverpool even if it’s not the move we expected.”

Should Liverpool surrender to Ibrahima Konate’s contract requirements?

So far, Liverpool have failed to agree personal terms with Konate’s camp, who are seeking a significant increase in the player’s wages. It is understood the club would have reservations about awarding another big contract, especially given his performances since the start of the season.