Real Madrid are now reportedly considering tabling a £34.6m offer for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman has bounced back after a disappointing start to the season, helping the Reds keep back-to-back clean sheets in the 1-0 wins against Arsenal and Burnley.
It has been a welcome return to form for Konate, who is such an important player for Liverpool, but his future has been a big talking point for months now.
Madrid have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, and with the defender still not signing a new deal at Anfield, he would be available on a free transfer at the end of this season.
Now, a report from El Noticies [via TEAMtalk] claims that Madrid could make a £34.6m bid for Konate when the January window opens, looking to get their man before next summer.
It is stated that Liverpool could even accept the offer, in order to receive some money for him, assuming a contract extension isn’t signed before then.
A Liverpool saga that must be sorted
This all feels too much like the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation last season, and a concern for Arne Slot, with Konate wanted by Madrid and potentially allowing his focus to be affected this season.
Whatever happens, this is a saga that must be sorted sooner rather than later, with the France international either deciding to stay at Liverpool or making it clear that the lure of Madrid is too great to turn down.
Ultimately, the Reds will always be stronger for having Konate in their squad, with centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk hailing him during last season, saying:
“He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion. He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked.”
It is easy to see Konate’s head being turned by Madrid, but losing him midway through the season would feel like a huge risk, even though getting nothing for him next summer would also be far from ideal.
Hopefully, he sees his long-term future at Liverpool, wanting to lead the defence after Van Dijk has gone and become a true Reds great.
