Report: Liverpool risk losing top defender with Madrid waiting

Liverpool fans have been here before. A key player, a contract winding down, and Real Madrid circling like vultures. This time, it’s Ibrahima Konate at the centre of the storm, with reports from the Daily Mail linking the French defender to a summer move to the Bernabeu.

Madrid’s need for defensive reinforcements is no secret. Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao have all struggled with injuries, leaving the Spanish giants in search of fresh legs at the back. Konate, with his blend of power, pace, and composure, ticks all the right boxes.

Konate’s Contract Situation Raises Questions

Liverpool should be worried. Konate’s contract runs until June 2026, which isn’t yet at a crisis point, but it’s heading in that direction. The 25-year-old has reportedly been offered an extension but hasn’t signed anything. That hesitation will set alarm bells ringing at Anfield, particularly given the growing speculation that he wants to see what happens with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah before committing his future.

“The whispers are growing,” as The Times’ Paul Joyce put it, and that’s never a good sign when Madrid is involved.

A Familiar Issue for Liverpool

This isn’t just about Konate—it’s part of a wider pattern. Liverpool have let too many key players approach the final stretch of their contracts before making decisive moves. It happened with Georginio Wijnaldum. It happened with Sadio Mane. Now, it’s happening again.

For years under Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards, there was stability. Players stayed because they believed in the long-term project. After years of flux in the running of the club, the stability of the project and especially player contracts has fallen to the wayside.

What Happens Next?

If Liverpool don’t tie Konate down soon, they risk losing him either this summer or, worse, in a drawn-out transfer saga next year. Madrid don’t tend to waste time once they set their sights on a player.

For Liverpool, the solution is simple: either get him signed or prepare for a summer of uncertainty.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans have every right to be worried. This feels like a story that will rumble on for months, especially if Konate keeps his cards close to his chest. We’ve seen this too many times before. Once Madrid get involved, history suggests there’s only one outcome.

If Konate is waiting to see what happens with Salah and Van Dijk, that’s a major red flag. It suggests he isn’t fully convinced by the club’s future direction. And let’s be honest—Liverpool aren’t in a position to be losing key defenders when they already need reinforcements at the back.

There’s also the issue of timing. If Liverpool let this drag on, his value will only drop. Selling in 2026 would mean cashing in on a player with just one year left on his deal—a dangerous game that could lead to another Wijnaldum-style departure for free.

The solution? Either give him a contract he can’t refuse or make a tough decision now. If he isn’t fully committed, Liverpool should cash in while they still have the upper hand. Because if Madrid are serious, they won’t wait around.