Report: FSG were prepared to sell £52m Liverpool star, but he rejected offers from Saudi clubs.
Spanish Reports Suggest Liverpool Were Open to Selling Konaté, but the Defender Turned Down Saudi Offer
Reports from Spain suggest Liverpool were seemingly open to selling one of their key players — Ibrahima Konaté — who ultimately decided to stay at Anfield.
The French centre-back has been the subject of transfer rumours for months, with his contract set to expire in just 10 months and Real Madrid reportedly showing interest. In August, CaughtOffside stated that there had been no signs of progress in contract renewal talks, raising concerns that Konaté might leave on a free transfer next summer.
Konaté Rejects Lucrative Saudi Proposal
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, an unnamed Saudi Pro League club recently submitted a €60m (£51.9m) offer for the 26-year-old defender. While Liverpool’s management reportedly considered accepting the bid, it was Konaté himself who declined the move, choosing instead to remain with the Reds.
Timing of Potential Sale Raises Questions
If this report is accurate, Konaté’s decision reflects well on his loyalty and commitment — but casts some doubt on the club’s intentions. Allowing one of their starting centre-backs to leave so close to the transfer deadline would have been a major risk.
With the possibility still looming of losing him for free next summer, it’s crucial that Liverpool secure a contract extension in the near future. Had Konaté accepted the Saudi offer, it could have seriously impacted the team’s campaign.
Fortunately for Liverpool, Konaté has committed to staying for at least this season. He responded to recent criticism with a standout performance in the hard-fought win against Arsenal on Sunday.
If the club fails to land Marc Guehi before the window closes, Konaté’s presence becomes even more vital, ensuring new manager Arne Slot retains four senior centre-backs in his squad.
Whether or not Konaté will still be a Liverpool player this time next year remains uncertain — but keeping him now could prove crucial for the defending Premier League champions.
