Real Madrid's Shock Decision on Liverpool Defender
In a significant development for the summer transfer window, Spanish giants Real Madrid have officially ended their pursuit of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. According to a report from The Athletic, the club has informed Liverpool 'directly and unequivocally' that their interest in the 26-year-old French international is over.
This news comes amidst a dire period for the Merseyside club, who have slumped to 12th in the Premier League table after losing nine of their last twelve matches across all competitions. Manager Arne Slot is under immense pressure, with the team's defence a particular cause for concern, having kept just four clean sheets and conceded 34 goals in 20 games.
Konate's Anfield Future Remains in Doubt
Despite Real Madrid's withdrawal, Konate's long-term future at Liverpool is far from secure. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which would allow him to leave on a free transfer. The club is known to be keen to agree on new terms with the player, but an extension has not yet been signed.
The defender's form has come under intense scrutiny during Liverpool's poor run. Club legend Jamie Carragher was particularly scathing after a calamitous error in the 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV, even suggesting that Slot's continued selection of Konate was a 'sackable offence'.
Konate, who was signed from RB Leipzig for £36 million in 2021, has made 150 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups. He recently took to social media to apologise to fans for the team's miserable form, vowing to 'keep fighting'.
Defensive Crisis Looms for Struggling Reds
If Konate does depart, it would leave manager Arne Slot with a severe shortage of options in central defence. The situation is already precarious, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as the only other senior centre-backs available. Youngster Giovanni Leoni is set to be sidelined for much of the year with an ACL injury.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, who is also a target for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and, ironically, Real Madrid. However, the report suggests that Guehi is more likely to join a club challenging for the Champions League—a competition Liverpool are currently not on track to qualify for.
The immediate focus for Slot and his team is to halt their slide, starting with their next Premier League fixture away to West Ham United on Sunday.
