Ibrahima Konaté hints at Liverpool decision as Real Madrid transfer saga nears end

The Ibrahima Konaté-Real Madrid transfer saga is edging closer to a resolution, or at least that is how it sounds from the Liverpool player himself.

“We’ve been talking with the club for a long time and we’re close to reaching an agreement,” Konaté said. “I think everyone wanted this to last as long as possible, but we are on the right track. There is a big chance I am here next season. This is what I always wanted.”

The French center back made the comments in mixed zone interviews at Hill Dickinson Stadium after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton in the first Merseyside derby at the Toffees’ new home.

Konaté set to end Real Madrid speculation

The crucial victory over Liverpool’s city rival appeared to bring out a level of candor rarely seen from Konaté this season.

The 26-year-old’s contract expires on June 30, and for months there has been growing speculation that he could leave Anfield in the summer.

Now, however, everything points toward the defender staying under Arne Slot next season.

“I’m waiting to sort the contract,” Konaté said. “But when everything is sorted, Arne Slot will reach out. I have a special relationship not only with the fans, but with everyone at the club. It’s an incredible club, an incredible family. This club means a lot to me.”

Long-running uncertainty

For much of the year, Konaté’s future has been in limbo. There were no significant breakthroughs in contract talks, while potential suitors, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, monitored the situation closely with the hope of signing him as a free agent.

At one point, Konaté appeared to be in soccer’s equivalent of no man’s land.

In January, The Athletic reported that Real Madrid had pulled back from the race due to a dip in his form this season. Weeks later, Liverpool moved forward with a major defensive investment, agreeing to sign Jérémy Jacquet for €70 million ($82 million) ahead of the 2026-27 season.

With negotiations between Konaté and Liverpool stretching beyond 20 months, both Madrid and PSG continued to keep a close watch on developments.

But as Konaté put it after the Everton win, “This is negotiation. With Virgil (van Dijk) and Mo (Salah) last season, it was exactly the same. I think they signed their contracts in April, and maybe that is how the club prefers to do things.”

More than a dozen Liverpool players reportedly earn more than the French international.