European Giants Circle Ibrahima Konate Amid Liverpool Contract Stalemate

Ibrahima Konate, who is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, is reportedly attracting strong interest from several top European clubs aiming to sign him before the 2025/26 transfer deadline.

Recent reports indicate the 26-year-old French defender is now on the radar of popular clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City. The former is said to be actively seeking a top-tier defender in his prime to rejuvenate their aging backline.

Speculation is fueled by the ongoing contract stalemate between Konate and Liverpool. Liverpool’s management appears increasingly open to selling him for a suitable fee this summer, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

Adding fuel to this transfer gossip, Konate has recently signed a lucrative personal sponsorship deal with Under Armour for a significant sum. The American sports brand is planning to feature him prominently in upcoming promotional campaigns.

However, this deal is solely between Konate and UA. The sportswear company has no influence over his future club choice; that decision rests entirely with Konate himself – whether to stay at Liverpool or seek a new challenge.

“I’m proud to be representing Under Armour, a brand with a history deeply rooted in performance and innovation, that shares the same drive, mentality and values as me.

“I am a big fan of the edge they are bringing in football and I look forward to taking my career to the next level with them, both on and off the pitch,” Konate said after signing.

Konate is not the only one in demand

Konate isn’t the only French defender in the spotlight, as his French compatriot Dayot Upamecano is also rumored to be a primary target for major European sides, including Manchester United under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Their situations share similarities: these former RB Leipzig defenders are yet to finalize new contract terms with their current clubs (Liverpool and Bayern Munich). Despite the swirling rumors, both players are reportedly settled in England and Germany respectively, leaving the door open for their clubs to present more acceptable offers.

Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are keen to retain these players as core members of their squads. New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who led the Reds to the title last season, hopes Konate will stay as Virgil van Dijk’s partner for a few more seasons, believing they can still compete at the top-level competition despite emerging young talents.

For Bayern Munich, who faced a defensive injury crisis last season, Upamecano is badly needed to maintain their squad depth. The German giant is very reluctant to show him the door unless a suitable replacement can be found soon.

Ultimately, a move to Real Madrid is most likely to happen if a substantial offer materializes. Liverpool’s management is unlikely to sanction a sale to direct Premier League rivals Manchester City, who have been their fiercest competitors under Pep Guardiola in recent years.

Furthermore, Real Madrid could offer Konate the chance to reunite with close friend Trent Alexander-Arnold, his former Liverpool teammate. Their established chemistry could provide the extra defensive solidity new manager Xabi Alonso seeks for his coaching debut in La Liga.