Ibrahima Konaté has undoubtedly been Liverpool's revelation this season. Alongside Virgil van Dijk, they form the best center-back duo in the 2024/2025 Premier League. Their defensive chemistry has been key for the Reds to maintain a defensive solidity that hadn't been seen in years.
After several attempts, Konaté has managed to stay fit throughout the season, without major injuries. This has allowed van Dijk to finally find a partner at his level, or even superior at certain moments. That defensive stability was exactly what Liverpool needed; now they want to protect it at all costs.
Rejected renewal and the threat of a departure
Liverpool knows what it has in its hands. That's why they haven't spared any effort in trying to renew Konaté's contract, which ends next season. They've already made two formal offers, but both were rejected; this refusal has put Anfield on alert.
They don't want a repeat of the story they experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was close to leaving for free. The club is clear: they won't let Konaté leave without receiving proper compensation. The player's stance has caused some discomfort within the club, which is now taking a firm position.
Real Madrid: growing interest and tough negotiations
Real Madrid appears as the team most interested in the French player. Although they didn't plan to bid strongly for Konaté, the poor defensive performance at the Club World Cup has set off alarms at Chamartín.
Liverpool has made it clear that he won't leave cheaply. His price is around €50 million, a figure that is quite far from the €35 million the white team had planned to pay. This complicates the negotiation, but Madrid doesn't want to miss the chance to strengthen a defensive line that urgently needs improvements.
What does this mean for Konaté and for Liverpool?
For Konaté, this season has been a giant step in his career. His performance has reached its peak and now he's a desired player. Liverpool's firm stance shows its trust and that they want to build the defense around him.
It's also a tense situation. If Konaté doesn't renew and Madrid insists, we could be facing a saga that will give plenty to talk about in the coming months. Liverpool isn't willing to give away its gem, making it clear that any departure will have to come with a good price.