Liverpool are reportedly prepared to accept a £40–50 million offer for central defender Ibrahima Konate, amid growing concerns he won’t renew his contract, according to Football Insider.
Liverpool Ready to Back Down: £40–50m Bid Accepted for Konate
The 26‑year‑old Frenchman has entered the final year of his deal at Anfield, which expires in 2026. Konate has rejected Liverpool’s initial contract extension largely due to its heavy reliance on performance-based incentives leaving both player and club at an impasse.
Liverpool fear a repeat of the Trent Alexander‑Arnold scenario, who exited on a free last summer, prompting Real Madrid to strike a deal with just months to spare.
Real Madrid have once again emerged as strong contenders for Konate, while Paris Saint‑Germain and Saudi’s Al Hilal are also monitoring the situation. With negotiations stalling, the Reds are turning their attention to the market.
Sources say they may be forced to “reluctantly” let Konate go before risking a free departure in 2026. Arsenal target Marc Guehi, currently at Crystal Palace, has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield viewed as a potential direct replacement.
Arne Slot is said to back a defensive revamp. With Virgil van Dijk in situ, the club sees Guehi as a long-term option should Konate be sold for a tidy profit to fund fresh signings.
Konate, who formed a strong partnership with van Dijk in 30 Premier League starts during Liverpool’s title-winning 2024‑25 campaign, now faces a pivotal summer.
If extension talks collapse, Liverpool will push for a £40–50 million deal to protect the club’s interests. In the tense chess match of football contracts and ambition, player and club will need to make a decision soon.
For Konate, the choices are stark: commit to Liverpool, join a top European side now, or risk leaving for free in 2026. For Liverpool, extracting value is not just prudent it’s essential.
