Liverpool may very well be set for a significant defensive shake-up in 2026, with experiences suggesting that Ibrahima Konaté is open to leaving Anfield on a free switch subsequent summer time.
In response to TEAMtalk, the French defender is attracting important curiosity from Bayern Munich and Juventus, whereas Actual Madrid are additionally monitoring his state of affairs carefully.
Konaté, now 26, has been a key a part of Liverpool’s backline since becoming a member of from RB Leipzig in 2021 for round £36 million.
Nevertheless, the defender has nonetheless not signed a brand new deal at Anfield and his long run future on the membership is unsure.
Ibrahima Konate is ready to turn out to be a free agent in 2026
The French defender is ready to turn out to be a free agent in the summertime subsequent 12 months and that has elevated curiosity in his providers from a few of the high golf equipment on the planet.
The centre-back’s type this season has been questionable. Even within the latest defeat in opposition to Manchester Metropolis, Konate was chargeable for the purpose Erling Haaland scored on the Etihad Stadium.
The defender didn’t mark the Norwegian attacker who scored an excellent header in opposition to Arne Slot’s group.
Sources near the membership point out that Konaté is contemplating a “new problem” after 5 seasons at Liverpool, notably with a number of high European golf equipment promising him a recent function as a defensive chief.
Liverpool, nevertheless, will not be giving up with out a struggle. The Reds are reportedly making ready to open talks over a short-term contract extension, which might assist defend their funding and forestall the defender from leaving without cost in June.
Membership insiders recommend that Konaté’s representatives have been approached a couple of deal that may hold him tied to Anfield till at the least 2027, although the participant’s camp is but to reply definitively.
Liverpool might have to maneuver for Guehi to switch Konate
Slot is claimed to be a robust admirer of Konaté and considers him an integral a part of his long-term plans. Nevertheless, the Dutchman can be conscious of the participant’s need for a brand new problem.
Actual Madrid’s curiosity, whereas extra tentative, provides one other layer to the saga. The Spanish giants have been scouting elite centre-backs and Konate is excessive on their radar. The Frenchman is taken into account an “splendid addition” to their group, as per experiences.
Konate’s departure may intensify Liverpool’s curiosity in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who nearly joined the Merseyside membership in the summertime switch window this 12 months.
Guehi goes via an analogous state of affairs as Konate. The England worldwide is ready to turn out to be a free agent subsequent 12 months.
The centre-back state of affairs at Liverpool might be watched with curiosity subsequent 12 months because the Reds may make massive modifications in that division.
Sources: Liverpool shortlist Paris Saint-Germain midfielder as January switch goal
