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Liverpool have shut the door on the idea of selling Ibrahima Konaté this summer. Interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain has been steady, but the message from Anfield is blunt: the 26-year-old centre-back is staying.
A Clear Signal from the Club
As reported by This Is Anfield, the club’s hierarchy has no intention of unsettling contract talks by entertaining bids. Sporting director Richard Hughes is said to be focused on keeping Konaté long term, viewing him as an essential piece of Liverpool’s defensive spine.
What’s Behind the Firm Stance
Contract pressure is building.
Konaté’s current deal runs until 2026, and the clock is ticking. Liverpool know too well the danger of letting a contract run down — losing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free was a painful lesson. Without progress on an extension, the risk of history repeating itself is real.
Offers aren’t close to the mark.
Reports suggest Madrid’s interest comes with a price tag between €20–25 million. Liverpool’s valuation is closer to €50 million (£43–50m), and even at that figure, they’d rather keep him than sell.
The player’s own view.
Konaté has publicly shrugged off the speculation, describing himself as “very happy” at the club. He acknowledges that talks are ongoing but isn’t fanning the flames of a transfer story.
Madrid’s long game.
If they can’t get him now, the Spanish champions may bide their time. Signing him on a free in 2026 would be the ideal outcome for them — and the nightmare scenario for Liverpool.
Why Losing Him Isn’t an Option
Stability at the back.
When Konaté partners Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s defence is near impenetrable. They conceded just 26 goals with that pairing last season. Break it up and the balance changes.
No depth to fall back on.
The centre-back pool is already shallow. Jarell Quansah has moved on, Joe Gomez’s fitness can’t be taken for granted, and there’s no clear successor waiting in the wings.
His prime years are still ahead.
At 26, Konaté is just entering the stage of his career where experience and physical peak intersect. Van Dijk has even hinted that Konaté is ahead of where he himself was at the same age.
The Road Ahead
| Scenario | What It Means |
| Win-Win Extension | Secure a new deal and end the uncertainty before the season builds momentum. |
| High Bid Considered | An offer in the £40–50m range might force a rethink — but only if the club feels backed into a corner. |
| No Agreement, No Move | Hold him for now, even at the risk of losing him for nothing in 2026. |
Liverpool’s position is unambiguous. Konaté is not for sale, and they’re prepared to weather outside pressure to keep him. Whether that resolve holds through the season will depend on how quickly the club and player can agree on what comes next.