Ibrahima Konate 'willing' to sign new Liverpool contract despite Real Madrid interest
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Ibrahima Konate's contract at Liverpool is set to expire in the summer, with recent reports suggesting Real Madrid has renewed its interest in signing the defenderIbrahima Konate's contract at Liverpool expires in the summer(Image: Getty Images)Ibrahima Konate is willing to sign a new contract at Liverpool according to the latest reports, despite ongoing links with a move to Real Madrid this summer.As things stand, Konate is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season, with his contract in its final few months. Although the defender has acknowledged that there have been talks over the past year or so, no breakthrough has been made with regards to a new deal at Anfield.That could lead to the French international becoming the latest player to join Real Madrid after letting his contract run down, following the leads of Trent Alexander-Arnold and international teammate Kylian Mbappe.READ MORE: 'I met Darwin Nunez and can see why Liverpool and Arne Slot decided to sell him'READ MORE: Liverpool has another big decision coming after Ryan Gravenberch announcementAlthough there were suggestions at the turn of the year that the Spanish giant had turned its interest away from Konate, recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos could be back in for him.Defensa Central has this week claimed that Real has been in contact with the player’s agents as it looks to negotiate a signing-on bonus to tempt him away from Liverpool.With time running out, it does look increasingly likely that Konate will leave the Reds in the summer, although David Ornstein has suggested there is still hope for Liverpool.Arne Slot has confirmed Liverpool is in talks with Ibrahima Konate over a new contractSpeaking on The Atheltic FC podcast, Ornstein said: “I think there’s constructive conversation around that one.“I do think there’s a will on both sides, player and club, to try and find an agreement.
It’s not there yet, but the conversations, from what we hear, are continuing and are pretty cordial.”Konate himself has given little away about his contract situation recently, having denied reports last season suggesting that he was close to signing a new deal.Arne Slot though has confirmed that talks are ongoing between the club and the defender, with Liverpool’s position on the matter clear.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. “It's clear we would like him to stay, but negotiations are ongoing, so let's see where that ends.
We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay."Liverpool.com says: If he’s willing, then Liverpool should absolutely try and find a way to tie down Konate to a new contract.Although he has been inconsistent this season, when he’s at his best, he is one of the best defenders around. Plus, given Virgil van Dijk’s age, Konate could soon become the senior center-back at Anfield, which would be a crucial role as he helps the likes of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.Liverpool though needs to get a move on, and the fact that we’re now in March with still no real signs of progress would suggest that he’s closer to an exit than staying at the club.