Real Madrid is confident of signing Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer next summer. The situation of this Liverpool defender is similar to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold at this time last year – his contract will expire at the end of the season, and this 15-time European champion (Real Madrid) is pursuing him and putting pressure on him to refrain from renewing his contract with Anfield (Liverpool).
Starting from January 1 next year, Konaté will enter the final six months of his contract, and any overseas club will be eligible to hold formal negotiations with him.
The same sources told us in December last year that Alexander-Arnold was almost certain to join Real Madrid. This week, it was even revealed that the club's senior management had publicly discussed their belief that a verbal agreement with Konaté is imminent.
It is understood that the defender has not yet expressed any intention to leave Liverpool, and the player himself has not fully made up his mind. Liverpool initiated contract renewal talks with the centre-back in November last year, but no agreement has been reached so far.
At the end of last season, Konaté stated in two interviews with reporters: “Winning trophies is truly fantastic. And today, winning the Premier League title, I know I have many goals at this club: to become a leader and win everything. I am very happy here.”
This week, Konaté appeared on French television and joked that his national team teammate and close friend Kylian Mbappé "calls me every two hours" in an attempt to lure him to join Real Madrid – a remark that has added fuel to the fire regarding the speculation.
Liverpool remains committed to reaching an agreement with Konaté; as far as the club is concerned, the situation has not changed. They have not received any information from Konaté's camp indicating that he wants to leave.
