Liverpool is ready to sell, seemingly very close, but Real risks losing Konaté in January

The future of Ibrahima Konaté has suddenly become one of the most intense transfer battles in Europe, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all locked in a complicated triangle of pressure, opportunity and risk. As the January window approaches, the French defender’s contract situation has pushed every involved club into urgent decision making mode.

Konaté’s current deal with Liverpool expires at the end of the season, and the Premier League side has been working quietly for months to secure an extension. However, despite several rounds of talks, the player has not yet given a firm yes to Liverpool’s proposal. Inside Anfield, this hesitation has triggered serious concern, especially now that multiple European giants are circling.

Bayern Munich are said to be watching the situation with sharp interest. The German champions are preparing for the possible departure of Dayot Upamecano, and Konaté fits their plan perfectly. Strong, fast, composed under pressure and already experienced in the Bundesliga, he would slide into their system with little adjustment needed. Bayern also have the financial muscle to act quickly in January, a period when most clubs hesitate.

Liverpool know exactly what is at stake. Losing Konaté for free next summer would be a major setback, both financially and sport wise. Because of that, reports suggest the club is now ready to sell him in January if he does not sign a new contract before the winter window opens. This is a drastic step, but one that reflects the urgency behind the scenes at Anfield.

This decision, however, creates a major problem for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have long admired Konaté and see him as an ideal long term addition to their defensive line, especially as the team looks ahead to refreshing its core for the future. But Real traditionally avoids big signings in January, preferring to wait until the summer unless absolutely necessary. This puts them at a strategic disadvantage.

If Bayern decide to make a strong winter offer, Real Madrid risk losing Konaté before they even get the chance to negotiate. Liverpool’s willingness to sell means the price could be attractive enough to spark rapid movement, and Bayern’s readiness to act fast places them in pole position. Real, meanwhile, would be forced to either break their January rule or watch the defender slip through their hands.

Complicating the situation even further is Liverpool’s reported plan to use any money earned from Konaté’s sale to pursue Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace. Guehi is also on Real Madrid’s radar as a potential signing for the next defensive generation. This creates a direct conflict of interest: if Liverpool get the funds they want, they could outpace Real for Guehi as well.

What was once a simple contract discussion has now evolved into a three way battle involving timing, strategy and financial risk. Liverpool must choose between keeping a key defender or preventing a free departure. Bayern must decide whether to strike quickly to secure a long term target. And Real Madrid must determine how far they are willing to go in January for a player they have studied for years.

With the winter window just weeks away, the situation is reaching a critical point. Every delay increases the pressure. Every interview, every transfer rumour, and every new report adds more uncertainty to an already delicate situation. One bold move from any of the three clubs could change the entire landscape overnight.

What remains clear is that Ibrahima Konaté is now one of the most sought after centre backs in Europe, and the upcoming January transfer window may be the moment that decides his future once and for all.