Report: Defender turns down Liverpool offer, determined to join European powerhouse

Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly declined a third contract offer from Liverpool, strongly indicating that the club may have to prepare for his departure when his current deal ends next summer.

Despite extended negotiations, no agreement has been reached between Konaté and the club. With the French defender now in the final year of his contract, he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with other clubs starting in January.

According to Marca, Konaté has set his sights on joining Real Madrid as a free agent, having turned down multiple renewal proposals from Liverpool. This scenario mirrors what Liverpool experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold last season.

Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konaté has formed a solid defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk, but talks over an extension have hit a deadlock. While his contract technically runs until June 2026, the impasse has opened the door for other clubs.

Adding to the speculation, Konaté recently joked that Kylian Mbappé “calls me every two hours” to convince him to join Madrid.

Sources close to the situation claim Real Madrid are increasingly confident of securing Konaté on a free transfer next summer, with Marca reportedly calling the move “inevitable.”

With negotiations stalled and Real Madrid leading the race, it appears Liverpool could lose another top talent unless they present a significantly improved offer soon.