However, there has been no advanced contact with the Spanish club yet, and Liverpool is now expected to open fresh talks with the French international about a new deal. According to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, the 26-year-old central defender is open to staying at Liverpool, and it remains to be seen whether all parties can finalise an agreement.
Konate has also been linked with Manchester City and Chelsea.
Konaté has been an important player for Liverpool since joining the club from RB Leipzig in a €35 million deal. Keeping him at the club should be a priority for the Premier League side. They have been quite poor defensively this season, and losing one of their best defenders will only worsen the situation. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career, and he could be an important player for the club in the coming seasons as well. Losing someone of his quality on a free transfer at the end of the season would be devastating for any club.
The French international will be a free agent soon, and Liverpool must act quickly in order to sort out his long-term future. The player was heavily linked with Real Madrid over the last few months, but it seems that the interest has now cooled. Real Madrid needs more quality and depth in the defensive unit, but they are also looking at other options.
Konate has not been at his best this season, and he has been criticised for his Premier League performances. However, he remains a quality player, and Liverpool will hope that he can bounce back strongly next season. For now, the two parties will be expected to thrash out an agreement over a new deal. The fans will certainly hope that Liverpool can keep him at the club for the long-term.
Konate is one of the leaders in the dressing room, and Liverpool needs to hold on to players like him.
