(Credit: Imago)
Tue 9 September 2025 18:15, UK
Ibrahima Konate is edging closer to a move away from Liverpool as Real Madrid remain keen to agree a free transfer next summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 26-year-old is interested in the move amid concerns about his role at Liverpool.
The France international has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Anfield, with Xabi Alonso keen to agree a similar deal to the one for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 1 September that Liverpool will hold fresh contract talks with Konate following the end of the summer transfer window.
However, should they continue to face delays in reaching an agreement, there is a growing feeling a deal could be agreed for his exit as soon as January.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking MediaReal Madrid pushing to agree Ibrahima Konate deal
Brown told Football Insider on 22 May that Real Madrid could push to sign Konate as they want to add another “top-level” defender to their squad alongside Dean Huijsen.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that confidence is growing at Madrid that they will be able to complete a deal.
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“It looks like Ibrahima Konate is edging towards Real Madrid,” he told Football Insider.
“If a move to Madrid is on the cards, it’s tempting for any player, and he can’t help but listen to the speculation surrounding him at the moment.
“There have been questions about his role at Liverpool while they were looking to sign Marc Guehi, who would have taken his place in the side.
“He must know that if Guehi does come in as planned, he’s not going to be starting any more.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
“If that’s the case, and he has the chance to go and start every week for Real Madrid, then of course it’s something he’s going to be interested in.
“We already know they want him, they’ve made that clear and I expect they’ll be pushing for him to sign a deal in January with his contract up in the summer.
“If he doesn’t end up signing a new contract with Liverpool, or if those talks keep delaying as they have done so far, then it opens the door to that move.”
Konate responds to Real Madrid links after Kylian Mbappe reveal
While Konate continues to be linked with a move to Los Blancos, he added fuel to the fire when he confessed France teammate Kylian Mbappe has urged him to make the switch.
“He calls me every two hours!” the defender joked when asked whether Mbappe was putting pressure on him to join Real Madrid next summer. [via talkSPORT]
While the defender laughed off questions about the move, directly addressing the rumours has only sparked further fears that he could leave Liverpool in the near future.
Credit: Getty Images
Liverpool fans were left fuming at Konate’s confession given he still has a crucial role to play in Arne Slot’s plans to retain their Premier League title.
Having missed out on a move to sign Guehi on deadline day, the Frenchman’s role alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence remains crucial.
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