Real Madrid have reportedly told Liverpool they are not interested in signing Ibrahima Konaté, despite ongoing rumours linking the French defender to the Spanish giants as his contract enters its final months. Konaté, whose deal expires at the end of the season, can begin negotiating a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January 1, but his future at Anfield remains uncertain.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid directly informed Liverpool that they are not pursuing the 26-year-old. The outlet wrote: “Despite the heavy speculation, Real Madrid have made it clear they have no interest in signing the France international.”
Liverpool have been trying to renew Konaté’s contract since 2023, with sporting director Richard Hughes taking over negotiations in mid-2024. However, both Liverpool’s poor start to the season and Konaté’s inconsistent form have raised doubts about his long-term role at the club. Although a regular under manager Arne Slot, Konaté has struggled in a shaky defence during Liverpool’s troubled title defence.
He faced intense criticism after a costly error in Liverpool’s 4–1 Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven—part of a run of nine defeats in 12 games—and was substituted after 55 minutes. The match followed a 3–0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Liverpool have conceded 17 goals in Premier League games involving Konaté this season, averaging one every 58 minutes.
In response to mounting criticism, Konaté shared a message on X, urging fans to stay supportive while acknowledging the team’s struggles. “Criticism is part of football… We’ll fight back through this storm. In these moments, the fans matter most,” he wrote.
Pressure is also growing on head coach Arne Slot, as well as senior players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. With Real Madrid distancing themselves from the speculation, Konaté’s future at Liverpool remains unresolved as the January transfer window approaches.