Real Madrid contact Liverpool over Ibrahima Konate as transfer message sent | Football | Sport

Real Madrid have reportedly informed Liverpool that they will not be pursuing a move for Ibrahima Konate, despite previous interest in the defender. His contract is set to expire next summer and, unless a new deal is agreed, he will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. Since the start of the campaign, there has been speculation about Konate seeking a fresh challenge after five years at Anfield.

Real Madrid were considered the frontrunners for his signature and could have entered into pre-contract negotiations with the defender from January. However, according to The Athletic, the Spanish heavyweights have now ruled out a move for Konate. The 26-year-old has been in talks over his future at Liverpool but no agreement has been reached so far.

The Reds faced criticism last year for allowing several key players’ contracts to run down, which resulted in the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back transferred to Real Madrid for a reduced fee ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer.

They have exploited the free transfer market in recent years, having already secured the services of Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger without any transfer fees.

Liverpool pursued Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window, but their eleventh-hour efforts proved unsuccessful.

The Reds had targeted the Crystal Palace centre-back, though the Eagles ultimately rejected a late approach despite Guehi entering the final year of his contract.

The England international has shown little inclination to sign fresh terms at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool remain linked with Guehi and could launch a fresh approach in January, potentially affecting Konate’s future at Anfield.

Several prominent centre-backs will become available without transfer fees this summer, including Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, whom PSG are monitoring closely.

The German giants might view Konate as Upamecano’s successor, with the Frenchman having initially caught attention during his Bundesliga stint with RB Leipzig.

Over the course of Liverpool’s challenging campaign, the French defender has faced scrutiny amid claims that uncertainty over his future is affecting his displays.

He committed another costly mistake leading directly to a goal on Wednesday as the Reds suffered yet another defeat.

CBS Sport pundit Jamie Carragher suggested Arne Slot was committing a “sackable offence” by persisting with Konate despite his declining form.