Liverpool believe Ibrahima Konate will join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, according to Marca reporter Jose Felix Diaz.

The journalist claims that Reds’ officials now consider the Frenchman’s departure at the end of the season “a sure thing”.

It is believed that the pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and the arrival of Giovanni Leoni from Parma were reactions to Konate’s likely move to Spain.

The 26-year-old’s contract is set to expire on June 30th and there is no indication that he will sign an extension at this stage.

Liverpool face Alexander-Arnold repeat

Having seen Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract run down before sanctioning his £10m switch to Real before the Club World Cup, it appears as if the Reds are resigned to a second player moving to the Bernabeu within the space of twelve months.

Konate was asked about his future on international duty, and when speaking about Real’s interest, he joked that France teammate Kylian Mbappe was calling him “every 2 hours”.

It will be a big blow if the centre-back does leave Anfield next summer, and the club are running out of time to tie him down to a new deal. He can sign a pre-contract agreement with Real at the start of next year.

Konate’s performances this season

Some fans have raised questions about the defender’s commitment to the cause at the beginning of this campaign. He put in a poor showing in the Community Shield and he also struggled in the subsequent league fixtures against Bournemouth and Newcastle.

However, Konate silenced the critics with an excellent display during the 1-0 win over Arsenal just before the international break. TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand singled out the France international for praise as he got the better of Gunners striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here