Real Madrid Withdraw from Ibrahima Konaté Transfer Race: Liverpool Defender’s 2026 Move Collapses

In a dramatic reversal of months-long speculation, Real Madrid have officially informed Liverpool that they will not pursue the signing of Ibrahima Konaté for the 2026 summer transfer window. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on November 28, 2025, that the Spanish giants have communicated “directly and unequivocally” to Liverpool that despite extensive speculation and earlier interest, they now have no intention of recruiting the French international whose contract expires in June 2026.

The development represents a stunning U-turn from Real Madrid, who had reportedly been working on a deal to sign Konaté on a free transfer, similar to their successful acquisition of his former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. The withdrawal leaves Liverpool in a strengthened negotiating position as they attempt to secure a contract extension with the 26-year-old center-back, while simultaneously leaving Real Madrid with an unresolved need in their defensive recruitment plans.

Real Madrid’s Calculated Withdrawal

Real Madrid have spent months monitoring Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation at Liverpool, with the French defender’s reluctance to sign a new deal making him an attractive free-agent target for Los Blancos. However, according to multiple sources including David Ornstein and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga giants have now pulled out of the race entirely, informing Liverpool of their decision to pursue alternative defensive options for next season.

Ornstein tweeted: “Real Madrid considered Ibrahima Konaté but inform Liverpool they have no interest in signing France int’l. 26yo’s unresolved LFC contract situation could still go either way.” The Athletic’s full report confirmed that Real Madrid have “directly and unequivocally” shut the door on Konaté’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu, representing a firm “No deal” stance that removes one of the most significant potential suitors from the equation.

The withdrawal comes after Real Madrid had Konaté on their defensive shortlist for an extended period, with the player reportedly receiving calls from compatriot Kylian Mbappé “every two hours” earlier in the year encouraging him to make the move to the Spanish capital. The French international was considered Los Blancos’ primary target after Arsenal successfully tied down William Saliba to a new long-term contract, eliminating him from Real Madrid’s center-back wish list.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on November 28, 2025, stating: “Real Madrid have informed Liverpool that they won’t proceed with Ibrahima Konaté deal for 2026. After having Konaté on shortlist for long time, deal off.” Romano noted that Konaté is still discussing a new deal at Liverpool, with a proposal on the table but no final decision yet reached.

The reasons behind Real Madrid’s withdrawal remain officially unconfirmed, but several factors appear to have influenced the decision. Konaté’s form throughout the 2025/26 season has been inconsistent, with particular scrutiny following Liverpool’s embarrassing 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on November 26, 2025. The French defender came under fierce criticism for his involvement in PSV’s third goal, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher calling his performance “a sackable offence” for manager Arne Slot to continue selecting him.

Liverpool’s broader struggles this season may have also given Real Madrid pause. The Reds have lost nine of their last 12 games across all competitions under Slot, including defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV that have raised serious questions about the squad’s mentality and quality. Konaté’s performances during this difficult period have mirrored the team’s general dip in form, potentially cooling Real Madrid’s enthusiasm for a player they had previously considered elite-level.

Konaté’s Liverpool Contract Saga

Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation at Liverpool has been complicated for over a year, with negotiations described by multiple sources as reaching several false dawns before stalling repeatedly. The French international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July 2021 for £36 million, signing a five-year contract that expires at the end of the current 2025/26 season.

Liverpool first attempted to secure an extension for Konaté in 2023, with discussions later transitioning to newly appointed sporting director Richard Hughes when he formally took charge in June 2024. Internally, the belief is that Liverpool have demonstrated consistent intent to keep the 26-year-old, who remains highly valued both as a defender and as a personality within the squad.

According to Fabrizio Romano, contract extension talks were “quite close” in October and November 2024, with verbal agreement on most terms except some final clauses. However, the situation changed dramatically around December 2024 and January 2025, with new discussions on the contract failing to produce an agreement. Liverpool have spent the last six to nine months unable to bridge the gap between the two parties.

David Ornstein reported in The Athletic that negotiations have centered on Konaté’s salary, which is believed to be significantly higher than the widely reported sum of £70,000 per week. His real earnings are believed to be more than double that amount, approximately £140,000 per week. Konaté is seeking a pay rise that would see him join players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk among Liverpool’s highest earners, a demand that has proven complicated for the club to accommodate.

The defensive stalwart has “not yet formally turned down a new contract,” according to Ornstein, but talks over an extension have proven complicated, and Konaté and Liverpool are thought to be in a stalemate as he approaches the final six months of his contract. From January 1, 2026, Konaté will be legally permitted to speak with foreign clubs and agree a pre-contract that would see him join a new team on a free transfer when his Liverpool deal expires in June 2026.

Liverpool have made a final contract offer to Konaté, according to multiple reports, with the club hoping that Real Madrid’s withdrawal will strengthen their negotiating position. French outlet Foot Mercato reported that Konaté has not yet responded to Liverpool’s latest offer, with Madrid being a destination that “inspires him” but now effectively ruled out.

Speaking during the international break in November 2025, Konaté addressed speculation about his future: “You know, I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake. I didn’t even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it. The rest [speculation] that I want to wait until the end… I want this, all of it is completely fake.”

He continued: “And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: ‘Ah, they have more information than me!?’ It was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn’t want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.”

After Liverpool’s defeat to PSV, Konaté turned to social media to respond to fierce criticism of the squad’s performance. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “We have to take this moment on the chest. Criticism is part of football, and we’ll fight back every time and come through this storm. In these moments, the fans matter most. The ones who stand with us in the good times and the bad – the ones who sing for us even in the difficult moments! Your voice and your support mean everything to us. We know we need to improve, and we’ll keep fighting for you. Always.”

Real Madrid’s Defensive Crisis and Alternative Targets

Real Madrid’s decision to withdraw from the Konaté transfer race comes at a time when the club faces significant uncertainty in their defensive recruitment strategy. Los Blancos are actively searching for at least one new center-back ahead of next summer, with David Alaba anticipated to depart when his contract expires and Antonio Rüdiger’s future to be decided upon his return from injury in 2026.

The Spanish giants initially targeted William Saliba of Arsenal as their top priority for defensive reinforcement in 2026. However, Arsenal successfully negotiated a new long-term contract with the French international, effectively removing him from the transfer market. Real Madrid then shifted their focus to Konaté, viewing the Liverpool defender as an elite-level talent who could be acquired on a free transfer, fitting perfectly with president Florentino Pérez’s preferred strategy of signing top players without paying transfer fees.

The withdrawal from the Konaté deal now leaves Real Madrid without a clear primary target for their defensive reinforcement. According to various reports, Los Blancos have also ruled out a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, considering his price tag too expensive despite the England international’s contract expiring in 2026. Marca reported that Real Madrid are no longer pursuing Guehi, who Liverpool had attempted to sign for £35 million on deadline day in August 2025 before the deal fell through.

With both Konaté and Guehi now off Real Madrid’s shortlist, attention has turned to alternative options for the Spanish champions. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, Konaté’s France national team colleague, has emerged as the most likely target according to multiple sources. Upamecano finds himself in a similar contract situation at Bayern Munich, with his deal expiring in 2026, though the German champions are currently working to secure his renewal.

Other names mentioned as potential targets include Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck, who has impressed with consistent performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring several center-backs across Europe’s top leagues as they reassess their defensive recruitment strategy following the Konaté withdrawal.

ESPN confirmed Real Madrid are giving serious thought to signing a new defender in 2026, but stated there is “not the same degree of unanimity inside Real Madrid over a move for Konaté as there was in the case of Alexander-Arnold.” This lack of internal consensus likely contributed to the club’s decision to pull out of negotiations, with some decision-makers at the Bernabéu unconvinced that Konaté represented the right profile for their defensive needs.

Transfer insider Dean Jones previously stated that Konaté was “the most likely” center-back target for Real Madrid in 2026 despite links to other players, noting “they clearly have eyes on other players too.” However, Jones had also suggested that “it would make sense for Konaté to drag out the transfer saga so that he can get the best deal possible,” a strategy that may have backfired if Real Madrid grew frustrated with the protracted negotiations.

The current defensive situation at Real Madrid is well-covered this season with Rüdiger, young talent Dean Huijsen, and academy product Raúl Asencio all performing well. Éder Militão is also set to return from injury, though back-to-back serious knee injuries have cast doubt on his long-term fitness and reliability. This relative strength in defensive options may have reduced the urgency for Real Madrid to secure Konaté specifically, allowing them to be more selective in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

Liverpool’s Strengthened Negotiating Position

Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the Konaté transfer race fundamentally alters the dynamics of Liverpool’s contract negotiations with the French defender. With the most attractive external option effectively eliminated, Liverpool now possess significantly enhanced leverage in discussions about a new deal.

Liverpool journalist David Lynch previously claimed that Konaté’s priority was to renew his contract at Anfield, despite external interest from Real Madrid and reported approaches from Saudi Arabian clubs offering lucrative contracts. With Madrid no longer in the picture, that priority may become easier to fulfill if both parties can bridge the remaining gaps in contract terms.

The Merseyside club have already tabled what sources describe as a “final contract proposal” to Konaté, attempting to resolve the situation before January 1, 2026, when foreign clubs can legally approach him about a pre-contract agreement. Liverpool’s offer reportedly includes a significant salary increase that would move Konaté closer to the club’s highest earners, though not quite matching the wages of Salah and Van Dijk.

Arne Slot’s assessment of Konaté remains positive despite recent struggles, with the Dutch manager having trusted the defender with a starting role in every Premier League fixture so far this season. Last season under Slot, Konaté amassed 2,560 league minutes across 31 Premier League appearances, helping Liverpool win the Premier League title. His durability represented a significant improvement after injury-plagued earlier seasons that saw him restricted to 990, 1,552, and 1,574 Premier League minutes across his first three campaigns.

The numbers underline why Konaté remains vital to Liverpool’s plans. At 26 years old, he’s entering his prime years as a center-back, with the potential for another 5-7 years at the highest level. His physical attributes—pace, strength, and aerial dominance—make him ideally suited to the Premier League’s demands. When fully fit and in rhythm, Konaté has demonstrated elite-level defensive qualities that few center-backs in world football can match.

However, Liverpool must also consider the risk of keeping a potentially disgruntled player whose form has significantly declined in recent months. Some observers believe Konaté’s concentration dipped once Real Madrid rumors intensified, suggesting his head may have already turned toward a move to Spain. If he does ultimately stay at Anfield, many will argue he has returned to Liverpool because the Madrid move vanished rather than through genuine commitment to the club.

Liverpool face a difficult decision if Konaté continues to refuse contract renewal through the winter. The club could attempt to cash in during the January 2026 transfer window, accepting a modest fee for a player entering the final six months of his contract rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer. However, selling a key defender mid-season while competing on multiple fronts would weaken Slot’s squad at a crucial juncture.

Alternatively, Liverpool could keep Konaté through the remainder of the season and accept the financial loss of losing him on a free transfer, prioritizing sporting success in the present over future transfer revenue. This approach would require confidence that Konaté’s performances will improve despite the contract uncertainty, a belief that has been tested by his recent struggles.

The club’s wider contract landscape adds further complexity. Liverpool’s 2024/25 season was dominated by contract situations surrounding Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The latter eventually departed on a free transfer to Real Madrid in summer 2025, though Los Blancos paid approximately €10 million to complete the move slightly earlier, which left a sour taste for many Liverpool supporters.

Van Dijk and Salah both ultimately re-signed on new contracts, but the prolonged uncertainty disrupted preparations and created unnecessary distractions. Liverpool can’t afford to have such situations happen repeatedly, particularly with a player like Konaté who is in the prime of his career. Losing him on a free transfer would represent both a sporting blow and a failure of contract management.

Konaté’s Career and France National Team Role

Ibrahima Konaté’s journey to becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after center-backs began at Paris FC’s youth academy before he joined Sochaux as a teenager. His impressive performances at youth level earned him a move to RB Leipzig in 2017, where he developed under the tutelage of German coaching while competing in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

At Leipzig, Konaté established himself as one of European football’s most promising young defenders, combining exceptional physical attributes with impressive technical ability and tactical intelligence. His performances attracted attention from elite clubs across Europe, with Liverpool eventually securing his signature in July 2021 for £36 million, triggering his release clause.

Konaté’s early Liverpool career was hampered by injuries that limited his availability and prevented him from establishing consistent form. Muscle problems and other minor ailments restricted him to sporadic appearances, frustrating both the player and coaching staff who recognized his immense potential. Under Jürgen Klopp, Konaté showed flashes of brilliance in big games—most notably outstanding performances in Champions League knockout ties—but struggled to maintain the fitness required for week-in, week-out Premier League action.

The 2024/25 season under Arne Slot represented Konaté’s breakthrough campaign at Liverpool. Improved fitness allowed him to feature regularly, starting 31 Premier League matches and playing crucial roles in Liverpool’s title-winning season. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk provided the defensive foundation for Liverpool’s success, combining Van Dijk’s experience and reading of the game with Konaté’s pace and physical dominance.

Recognized for his club performances, Konaté won a spot in the French national team setup and has made 26 appearances for Les Bleus. He was part of the squad that attempted to defend France’s 2018 World Cup triumph against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. The French were defeated in an agonizing penalty shootout, with Konaté experiencing the pain of missing out on football’s ultimate prize after coming so close.

Last season’s Premier League title win held deep meaning for Konaté, especially after painful runners-up finishes in the World Cup and Champions League. Following the decisive victory over Tottenham in April 2025 that secured the championship, Konaté quietly walked into an empty Main Stand at Anfield, sat alone, and absorbed the moment—a rare stillness amid a whirlwind career. This image captured his emotional connection to Liverpool and suggested a player deeply invested in the club’s success.

Konaté now faces the prospect of contesting the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada, and Mexico with his club future undecided. France enter the tournament among the favorites, with a squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and a new generation of talented players. Konaté’s performances between now and summer 2026 will determine whether he maintains his starting position for Les Bleus or faces competition from other French center-backs pushing for World Cup selection.

His value extends far beyond defensive prowess at Liverpool. Konaté is a central figure in the dressing room—a booming presence whose laugh often echoes around the Kirkby training complex long before he arrives on camera. He embraces his unofficial role as the club’s light-hearted interviewer, regularly producing social media content that keeps spirits high within the group. This personality makes him popular among teammates and fans alike, adding another dimension to his importance at Liverpool.

Alternative Destinations for Konaté

While Real Madrid have withdrawn from the race, Ibrahima Konaté could still leave Liverpool on a free transfer next summer if contract negotiations continue to stall. Several elite European clubs have been linked with the French international, offering alternative destinations should he decide his future lies away from Anfield.

Bayern Munich have been consistently mentioned as potential suitors for Konaté, with the German champions facing their own defensive recruitment challenges. Bayern are currently working to secure Dayot Upamecano’s contract renewal, but if those negotiations fail, they may pursue Konaté as a ready-made replacement. The prospect of returning to the Bundesliga, where Konaté flourished at RB Leipzig, could appeal to the defender as he considers his options.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interest in Konaté, according to various reports. The French champions regularly pursue top French talent, and Konaté would represent a significant upgrade to their defensive options. PSG can offer Champions League football, competitive wages, and the attraction of playing in his home country. However, the Ligue 1 club’s recent struggles in European competition may make them a less attractive option than clubs competing regularly for major honors.

Reports earlier in 2025 suggested Konaté had turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian clubs seeking to attract him to the Middle East. The Saudi Pro League has targeted numerous high-profile players with massive wage packages, and Konaté would fit their profile of signing established stars in their mid-to-late twenties. However, at 26 years old and approaching a World Cup year, Konaté likely views such a move as premature for his career development.

Barcelona have also been mentioned in some Spanish media reports as monitoring Konaté’s situation, though their well-documented financial difficulties make a free transfer particularly attractive. The Catalan giants need defensive reinforcement and Konaté’s availability without a transfer fee would allow them to invest their limited resources in other areas. However, Barcelona would likely struggle to match the salary demands Konaté is making at Liverpool.

Liverpool.com identified three realistic options for Konaté following Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the transfer race:

Option 1: Remain at Liverpool – The defender could decide to stay at Anfield and become a cornerstone of the club’s continued development under Arne Slot. Despite Liverpool’s current struggles, the Reds remain one of Europe’s elite clubs with the infrastructure and ambition to challenge for major honors. Securing Konaté long-term would provide defensive stability and allow him to build on his Premier League title triumph.

Option 2: Move to Bayern Munich – If Upamecano’s contract renewal fails, Bayern would likely make Konaté their top defensive target. The move would offer Champions League football, competitive wages, and a return to German football where he previously excelled. Bayern’s pedigree as European champions and consistent Bundesliga winners would satisfy Konaté’s ambitions.

Option 3: Join Paris Saint-Germain – A move to PSG would allow Konaté to play in his native France while competing at the highest level. The club’s captain Marquinhos is 31, and Konaté could become a strong veteran presence in an otherwise young central defender core. However, PSG’s recent European disappointments may make this option less attractive than alternatives.

The coming months will prove crucial in determining Konaté’s future. From January 1, 2026, he can legally negotiate with foreign clubs and potentially agree a pre-contract for a summer free transfer. Liverpool must decide whether to make one final push for a contract renewal, accept a modest January transfer fee, or keep the defender through the season and risk losing him for nothing.

Impact on Liverpool’s Defensive Planning

Liverpool’s defensive planning for 2026 and beyond has been complicated by uncertainty surrounding multiple key players. The club has already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, and the potential departure of Konaté would represent a second major blow to their backline in consecutive transfer windows.

Liverpool did attempt to address their defensive depth during the August 2025 transfer window, coming close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace before a £35 million deal collapsed on deadline day. The England international would have provided cover and competition for the center-back positions while also offering leadership qualities and Premier League experience.

Ornstein’s latest report noted that “any suggestion that switching to Anfield is a formality would be wide of the mark” regarding a potential January move for Guehi. Crystal Palace believe Liverpool are the only club that may attempt to buy Guehi in January, according to Sky Sports News, but Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City are also credited as admirers. The England international is looking to compete to win the Champions League, making Liverpool’s current struggles potentially problematic for attracting his signature.

Liverpool’s defensive situation is further complicated by the unfortunate long-term injury to Giovanni Leoni, the 18-year-old successor signed over the summer who tore his ACL on his debut and will be sidelined until late 2026. The Brazilian wonderkid was viewed as a future cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense, but his injury removes him from consideration for the immediate future.

The club has already replaced Jarell Quansah after he signed for Bayer Leverkusen, and Guehi has been signposted as his replacement. However, completing that signing in January appears difficult given Crystal Palace’s reluctance to sell mid-season and competition from other elite clubs.

If Konaté were to leave in January or summer 2026, Liverpool would likely need to sign at least two center-backs to maintain adequate depth across a season competing in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. Finding defenders of Konaté’s quality and age profile on the transfer market is extremely difficult, particularly with clubs now aware that Liverpool are operating from a position of need rather than strength.

The current defensive options available to Arne Slot include Virgil van Dijk (34 years old in July 2026), Konaté (assuming he stays), Joe Gomez (utility defender who can play multiple positions), and potentially a January signing if Liverpool move decisively. This represents adequate depth but lacks the quality-in-depth that elite clubs require to compete across multiple fronts.

Liverpool’s defensive struggles this season—conceding four goals to PSV at Anfield and three to Nottingham Forest—highlight existing vulnerabilities that would only be exacerbated by Konaté’s departure. The French defender, despite his recent poor form, remains crucial to Liverpool’s defensive structure and his absence would create significant problems for Slot’s tactical approach.

Financial Implications and Free Transfer Strategy

The potential loss of Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer would represent a significant financial blow to Liverpool, highlighting the dangers of allowing valuable players to run down contracts. Liverpool paid £36 million for Konaté in July 2021, and losing him without recouping any transfer fee would represent a complete write-off of that investment.

Beyond the initial transfer fee, Liverpool have invested heavily in Konaté’s wages (approximately £140,000 per week for nearly five years), medical treatment for his various injuries, and general development as a player. The total financial investment likely exceeds £50-60 million when all costs are considered, making the potential free transfer departure particularly painful from an accounting perspective.

Free transfers have become increasingly common in modern football, with players and their agents recognizing the massive financial benefits of running down contracts. When a player moves on a free transfer, the entire transfer fee that a club would normally pay is effectively redistributed between the player’s signing-on bonus, agent fees, and enhanced wages. This makes free agents extremely attractive propositions for players and agents alike.

Real Madrid have perfected the free transfer strategy under president Florentino Pérez, securing elite players without paying transfer fees. David Alaba (from Bayern Munich), Antonio Rüdiger (from Chelsea), and Kylian Mbappé (from Paris Saint-Germain) all joined Los Blancos on free transfers, with the club instead investing in massive wages and signing bonuses. If the Konaté deal had proceeded, he would have become the fourth top-tier player to join Real Madrid for free, with a market value of €60 million representing significant value for Los Blancos.

Liverpool’s experience with free transfer departures has been painful in recent years. Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for approximately €10 million—far below his actual market value of €80+ million—demonstrated the financial consequences of allowing contract situations to deteriorate. Repeating this mistake with Konaté would raise serious questions about Liverpool’s contract management and strategic planning.

The club’s sporting director Richard Hughes and ownership group Fenway Sports Group must balance multiple competing priorities: maintaining squad quality, controlling wage costs, preserving player resale value, and competing for major honors. Konaté’s contract situation represents a failure on at least two of these metrics—preserving resale value and controlling negotiations before leverage shifts to the player.

Liverpool have historically been shrewd operators in the transfer market, generating significant profits through player sales while maintaining competitive squads. Philippe Coutinho’s £142 million sale to Barcelona in 2018 remains one of English football’s most lucrative deals, demonstrating Liverpool’s ability to maximize player value. However, the club has also suffered significant financial losses through poor contract management, with players like Emre Can (to Juventus in 2018) and Georginio Wijnaldum (to PSG in 2021) departing on free transfers.

Liverpool’s Crisis and Arne Slot Under Pressure

The Ibrahima Konaté contract saga unfolds against the backdrop of Liverpool’s worst period in recent memory, with the team losing nine of their last 12 games across all competitions. This collapse has put manager Arne Slot under immense pressure just months after he guided the Reds to the Premier League title in his first season.

The 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven on November 26, 2025, represented a new low point for Liverpool, with the Dutch side dominating at Anfield in a manner rarely seen during Liverpool’s recent history. The loss exposed serious defensive vulnerabilities, with Konaté’s performance coming under particular scrutiny from pundits and fans alike.

Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender turned Sky Sports pundit, was scathing in his criticism of the defending for PSV’s third goal. “That’s a sackable offence” for Arne Slot to keep playing Konaté, Carragher shouted while analyzing the match, highlighting how the French defender lost possession in a dangerous area before PSV capitalized.

Liverpool have also suffered humiliating defeats to Nottingham Forest (3-0 at Anfield) and other mid-table opponents, with fans questioning whether Slot possesses the tactical acumen and personality to manage a club of Liverpool’s stature. The Dutchman’s appointment after Jürgen Klopp’s emotional departure was controversial from the start, with many supporters unconvinced that a manager from Feyenoord could handle the pressures of English football’s most demanding job.

The defensive crisis extends beyond Konaté’s poor form. Virgil van Dijk, while still capable of world-class performances, is 34 years old and showing signs of decline in terms of recovery pace and consistency. Joe Gomez has never fully convinced as a reliable center-back partner, and the lack of quality depth means Liverpool have no margin for error when defensive injuries or poor form strike.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has witnessed several of these embarrassing defeats in person, including the Forest and PSV losses, leading to speculation about conversations with Slot regarding expectations and standards. The Athletic reported that Slot has held talks with sporting director Richard Hughes about the situation, with the club’s hierarchy demanding immediate improvement in results and performances.

Curtis Jones delivered a blunt verdict on Liverpool’s form following the PSV defeat, telling reporters that the team “wasn’t good enough” and accepting full responsibility for the collapse. His X-rated interview, which included profanity about the team’s performance, highlighted the frustration within the dressing room at Liverpool’s sudden decline from champions to also-rans.

Slot addressed the threat of potentially losing his job in a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s match against West Ham United, stating that he remains focused on improving results and won’t engage with speculation about his future. However, the Dutchman acknowledged that nine defeats in 12 matches represents an unacceptable standard for Liverpool and that significant improvement must come immediately.

Former Liverpool defender and German international Markus Babbel offered his perspective on the crisis, suggesting that Slot “has made a big mistake” in his tactical approach and team selection. Babbel argued that Liverpool need to return to the high-intensity pressing style that defined their success under Klopp, rather than the more possession-oriented approach Slot has attempted to implement.

The collapse has also affected contract negotiations across the squad, with players potentially questioning whether Liverpool remain capable of competing for major honors. Konaté’s reluctance to commit his long-term future may partly stem from uncertainty about the club’s direction under Slot and concerns that Liverpool are entering a period of transition that could see them drop out of the Champions League qualification places.

Mohamed Salah has been backed to “come back with a bang” despite enduring a poor run of form at the start of the season under Slot, with the Egyptian forward’s goal-scoring drought contributing to Liverpool’s attacking struggles. The team’s inability to score consistently while also conceding goals at an alarming rate has created the perfect storm of poor results.

Liverpool currently sit outside the top four in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by double digits and facing a genuine battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League. This would represent a catastrophic failure given the squad’s quality and the resources invested in the team. Missing out on Champions League football would also significantly harm Liverpool’s ability to attract top players in the transfer market and retain existing stars like Konaté.

Uncertainty Remains for All Parties

Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the Ibrahima Konaté transfer race has created a complex situation that leaves uncertainty for all parties involved. Los Blancos must now identify alternative defensive targets for summer 2026, with their shortlist diminished and time running out to secure their preferred options before other clubs enter negotiations.

Liverpool have gained a stronger negotiating position with Konaté following Real Madrid’s withdrawal, but significant gaps remain in contract discussions. The club must decide whether to make one final push for an agreement, accept a modest January transfer fee, or risk losing the defender for nothing in summer 2026. All three options carry substantial risks and potential downsides.

Konaté himself faces a career-defining decision about his future. At 26 years old, he’s entering his prime years and must choose between the security of remaining at Liverpool, where he’s established and valued, or exploring opportunities at other elite European clubs. His recent poor form has damaged his reputation and may limit his options if clubs question whether his struggles are temporary or indicative of a permanent decline.

The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining how this saga resolves. From January 1, 2026, Konaté can legally speak with foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement. Liverpool’s performances between now and then will also influence his thinking—if Slot can arrest the decline and restore Liverpool to winning ways, staying at Anfield becomes more attractive. If the struggles continue, Konaté may decide his future lies elsewhere regardless of which clubs are interested.

For Real Madrid, the search for defensive reinforcement continues. Los Blancos remain one of world football’s most prestigious clubs, capable of attracting elite talent even when their initial targets become unavailable. Dayot Upamecano appears to be their new priority, but the market for top center-backs is extremely competitive, and Real Madrid may need to move decisively to avoid missing out on their preferred alternatives.

The situation represents modern football’s contract management challenges, where player power and free agency have shifted leverage away from clubs toward players and their representatives. Liverpool’s experience with Konaté—watching a £36 million investment potentially walk away for nothing—highlights the financial dangers clubs face when contract negotiations stall.

Ultimately, Real Madrid have made their position clear: they will not sign Ibrahima Konaté in 2026. Now Liverpool and the player must decide what happens next, with multiple futures possible and no certainty about which path will ultimately be chosen.

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