Fabrizio Romano provides key update on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté’s future

Ibrahima Konaté Faces Crucial Career Decision Amid Liverpool Exit Speculation

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté is at a pivotal point in his career, with growing uncertainty surrounding his future at Anfield. The 26-year-old is now in the final year of his contract, and as top European clubs circle, his next move is far from decided.

Real Madrid are said to be particularly keen, and Konaté’s current situation closely mirrors that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who departed for Madrid earlier this year on a free transfer.

Madrid aren’t the only ones monitoring the French international — Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also reportedly keeping tabs, eyeing a potential free signing next summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has cautioned Liverpool about the growing risk of losing Konaté. According to him, the likelihood of the defender leaving is currently higher than him renewing his contract.

Will Konaté Depart in 2026?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano provided a detailed update:

“Liverpool and Konaté are still in talks over a new contract, but no agreement has been reached. Negotiations have been ongoing, but it’s been complicated. Last October and November, they were close to finalising an extension, only minor clauses remained. However, things changed around December and January, and since then, no progress has been made.”

Romano added that Konaté is definitely on Real Madrid’s radar, and he’s among the players the Spanish giants are targeting for 2026 — but only if he doesn’t commit to a new deal at Liverpool.

Implications for Liverpool

Should Konaté leave, Liverpool will be forced to address a major gap in their defense. Keeping him would mean retaining a high-caliber centre-back, but letting him walk away — especially for free — would be a major blow.

The Reds’ reported interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi now appears more strategic, as the club may be preparing for life without Konaté.

In the end, the coming months will determine whether Konaté remains part of Liverpool’s long-term project or becomes the next high-profile departure following Alexander-Arnold.

His exit — especially to Real Madrid — could trigger a backlash from fans, similar to the one Alexander-Arnold experienced. If history repeats itself, Konaté might also face jeers from supporters disappointed by another key player leaving on a free.