Liverpool Star Turns Down Contract Extension as European Powerhouses Circle for Signature

Liverpool's central defender Ibrahima Konaté has allegedly rejected the club's contract proposal, creating speculation about a potential departure from Anfield in the coming year.

With connections to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, Konaté's current deal expires next summer, potentially allowing him to transfer as a free agent should negotiations fail to produce an agreement.

The Guardian reports that Konaté is "hesitating" over contract renewal talks, having declined Liverpool's initial offer. The defender feels "unsatisfied" with the proposed terms' framework, which heavily emphasizes performance-based bonuses. His representative is advocating for increased base wages.

Konaté has faced injury challenges in the past, with 2024–25 marking his first season at the club where he exceeded 22 Premier League appearances. This history likely influences Liverpool's inclination toward incentive-heavy contracts rather than substantial guaranteed payments.

Without a breakthrough in negotiations, the Reds may need to contemplate selling the French defender to prevent a similar scenario to this year's Trent Alexander-Arnold departure.

Liverpool generally initiates contract discussions with players two years prior to expiration. However, while Alexander-Arnold's talks were postponed due to 2023's uncertainty surrounding Jürgen Klopp's position, Konaté's negotiations took second priority behind prolonged discussions with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Concerningly for Liverpool supporters, it was during Alexander-Arnold's wait for substantial talks that Real Madrid influenced his decision to depart.

Liverpool reportedly has interest in England and Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi, whose acquisition could become more feasible if Konaté departs.

Guéhi is similarly approaching his contract's final year and is willing to complete the season with Palace if suitable opportunities don't emerge, potentially leaving as a free agent in 2026.

The Eagles naturally want to avoid losing such a valuable asset without compensation and are therefore open to selling while they still can.

However, Guéhi, who also attracts interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, reportedly seeks guarantees of regular playing time at his next destination. Liverpool cannot provide such assurances with Konaté remaining, though the circumstances would change significantly without him.