Liverpool had an issue with Ibrahima Konate’s contract that was nothing to do with money
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Ibrahima Konate is now leaving Liverpool as a free agent despite previous suggestions that a deal over a new contract was close.Konate looked set to stay at Anfield ahead of 2026/27 following an update last month, but the centre-back and the Reds failed to come to terms over a new deal.However, it was not because of the Frenchman’s salary demands, but rather ‘doubts about his physical condition’. Rate Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool appointment!
Credit: AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images Liverpool had doubts about Ibrahima Konate’s physical conditionJournalist Romain Molina shared the update via YouTube this week, saying: “We have a player who wanted both a signing bonus and a big salary. “Liverpool had some doubts about his physical condition, the years he wanted on his contract, and everything.
“In fact, they might have wanted to extend his contract, but not under just any conditions.”Exactly what the doubts were are hard to say, given Konate was never really injured at any point in 2025/26.He only missed a few games earlier in 2026 due to personal reasons, and for the remainder of the campaign, was the primary partner for Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.Regardless, Konate is now leaving Anfield for nothing and is already close to finding a new club.Real Madrid have agreed terms with the centre-back, as Fabrizio Romano has explained this week.He stated: “Real Madrid have verbal agreement in place with Ibrahima Konate! Konate put Saudi bids on hold for Real Madrid.”Meanwhile, on the Liverpool end, Joe Gomez is expected to stay for another year, and given he is currently out of contract in 2027, will probably leave for free in 12 months’ time.However, having Gomez as one of four centre-back options alongside Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet may leave the Reds light of cover at some point next term, given the Englishman’s worrying injury record.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox