“Concern grows as Liverpool face potential major setback with genuine interest in £36m star.”

Liverpool are bracing themselves for a challenging period as uncertainty continues to surround the future of French defender Ibrahima Konaté. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the club could face the prospect of losing one of their key defensive assets unless fresh terms are agreed soon.

According to Transfermarkt, Konaté is among six senior players currently entering the final two years of their deals at Anfield. While that might not seem immediately alarming, Liverpool have learned in recent years how quickly unresolved negotiations can spiral into prolonged sagas that disrupt both dressing room harmony and on-field focus.

Speculation around Konaté’s long-term future has been building for months. Reports have linked him with interest from two European heavyweights—Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Empire of the Kop reported that scouts from both clubs have been monitoring his performances closely, while other outlets such as CaughtOffside highlighted that Liverpool’s attempts at initiating extension talks have produced little progress so far.

In his Liverpool Confidential Q&A column for Mail Sport, journalist Lewis Steele sought to address whether Konaté is intentionally letting his contract run down to secure a lucrative free transfer in 2026. Steele noted that while there is no concrete evidence to suggest Konaté is plotting such an exit, the lack of clarity nearly a year into negotiations is undeniably troubling.

Talks between Liverpool’s management and Konaté’s representatives reportedly began as far back as November of last year. Yet, almost twelve months later, no agreement has been finalized. Steele confirmed that discussions remain ongoing, but the absence of tangible progress has left fans and pundits questioning whether the club is doing enough to resolve the issue.

For Liverpool, this uncertainty carries significant risk. Though Konaté may not enjoy the same global status as Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk, his role in the squad is nevertheless crucial. The Frenchman provides physicality, pace, and ball-playing ability at the heart of defence—qualities that are not easily replaced in today’s market. Losing him on a free would not only represent poor business but could also weaken a defensive unit already under scrutiny.

Adding to the unease, Konaté’s importance has grown in recent weeks after Liverpool failed to complete a deadline-day move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi. With that deal collapsing, the Reds now rely even more heavily on Konaté to anchor their backline alongside Van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Any departure would force the club back into the market at a time when top-quality defenders are in short supply.

Despite occasional inconsistencies in form, Konaté reminded supporters of his value during Liverpool’s recent victory over Arsenal. His commanding presence and ability to recover quickly in dangerous situations showcased why elite clubs like Real Madrid and PSG consider him a viable long-term target. For Liverpool, his performance served as both reassurance and a stark reminder of the consequences should they fail to secure his signature.

The wider Anfield fanbase has reason to feel anxious. Supporters have only just recovered from the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s and Virgil van Dijk’s contractual futures earlier this year. Those negotiations dragged on, creating weeks of speculation that unsettled both fans and players. Another drawn-out saga—this time involving Konaté—could test the patience of a fanbase eager for stability under new sporting director Richard Hughes.

Hughes now faces the challenge of prioritizing Konaté’s extension before January, when the transfer window reopens and rival clubs may step up their interest. A resolution before the turn of the year would not only secure Liverpool’s defensive future but also send a message that the club has learned from past mistakes in handling key contracts.

For now, however, concern continues to grow. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are watching closely, sensing an opportunity to lure away a defender valued at £36 million. Unless Liverpool act decisively, they risk losing yet another cornerstone of their squad—and this time, potentially without a transfer fee.