By Francis Onyach - Reporter
November 28, 2025 - Real Madrid have decided not to push ahead with a move for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, closing the door on a potential free transfer in 2026 and leaving his future firmly back in Liverpool’s hands. The French center-back is still in talks over a new contract at Anfield, with a proposal on the table but no final decision yet from the player’s side.
Reports in Spain and England indicate that Real Madrid, long linked with a possible free transfer for Konaté when his deal runs down, have now formally informed Liverpool that they will not pursue a deal for the defender in 2026. The Spanish club is believed to have shifted its 2026 center-back plans towards other targets, effectively removing Konaté from its shortlist after monitoring him for some time.
This change in stance has been communicated “directly and unequivocally” to Liverpool, ensuring there is no expectation of a pre-contract agreement or long-term plan involving Konaté and Real Madrid. The decision follows a broader strategy at the Bernabéu, where the club has recently focused on select free-agent opportunities while carefully managing squad depth in central defense.
Konaté’s contract situation
Konaté’s current Liverpool contract is due to expire in 2026, which has made him an attractive potential free transfer for top European clubs. Liverpool has already made a renewal offer, and talks between the club and the player’s camp are ongoing, but no agreement has been finalized.
According to multiple reports, Liverpool remains keen to keep the 26-year-old and is prepared to make him a central piece of their long-term defensive plans if he signs a new deal. For Konaté, the choice now revolves around committing his peak years to Anfield or keeping options open for other suitors, with the most high-profile pathway Real Madrid apparently off the table.
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Real Madrid stepping away strengthens Liverpool’s negotiating position, removing one of the most powerful external factors that could have tempted Konaté to run down his contract. Without the immediate lure of the Bernabéu, Liverpool can argue that Anfield remains the best platform for regular minutes and major trophies while offering improved personal terms.
The situation also provides clarity for the sporting director and coaching staff as they plan the defensive line for the coming seasons. If Konaté signs a new contract, Liverpool can build around him with greater certainty; if he hesitates, the club will have more time to identify and secure alternatives rather than risk losing another key player for free.
With Real Madrid stepping back, several broad scenarios now appear realistic for Konaté. These include:
- Signing a new long-term contract at Liverpool, becoming one of the defensive pillars of the next project at Anfield.
- Exploring interest from other elite clubs on the continent, with previous links to teams like Paris Saint-Germain and others who continue to monitor his situation.
- Allowing talks to drag on, keeping leverage over his future, though this would risk uncertainty for both player and club as his contract moves closer to expiry.
