Published: 4 hours ago

Liverpool face Ibrahima Konate scare amid Real Madrid links

Liverpool may cash in on 26-year-old French international Ibrahima Konate in the summer transfer window if contract talks between the two parties stall.

According to a report by Football Insider, Ibrahima Konate faces an uncertain future at Anfield heading into the summer transfer window. The French international will enter the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract in a few days, and the Reds are in a spot of bother over his long-term position.

The Frenchman is a target for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos reportedly viewing him as a top target to sign in a Bosman move next summer. However, Liverpool may sell Konate in the summer transfer window if talks between the two parties over a new contract do not advance in the coming weeks.

Ibrahima Konate and his Liverpool lore

Ibrahima Konate has gone from strength to strength since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July 2021. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in the last four years, and he has been a mainstay at the back for Liverpool during this period.

The French international has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for Liverpool while chipping in with five goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Konate’s long-term future is uncertain, as he will enter the final 12 months of his contract in a few days. The situation has piqued the attention of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.

La Liga adventure beckons?

Real Madrid’s interest in Ibrahima Konate is understandable. The Merengues are keen on bolstering their defensive unit in the summer transfer window by signing a centre-back. David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are on the wrong side of 30, with the former a shell of his domineering best after a long-term knee injury.

In addition, Eder Militao has picked up two season-ending knee injuries in as many seasons, and his fitness situation is uncertain. So, Konate is a viable target for Real Madrid, although they will likely launch the offensive to secure the Frenchman’s services in a Bosman move next summer.

However, Liverpool may sell the 26-year-old French international this summer if contract talks between the two parties do not progress. While the Reds have been optimistic about keeping Konate, they may have to sell him unless they want to invite a Trent Alexander-Arnold-like situation in the coming 12 months.

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