Franco-Malian defender Ibrahima Konate rejects Liverpool contract extension in pursuit of Real Madrid switch

France international of Mali descent Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly turned down contract extension offer from Liverpool in pursuit of a move to Real Madrid.

Konaté’s current contract with the Premier League giants runs until summer 2026, with the in-demand defender yet to sign a deal with the Reds.

Having rejected a third contract extension offer from Liverpool in recent weeks, the 26-year-old could switch to the Spanish giants as a free agent next summer.

According to reports, Konate is top transfer target for Real Madrid as the club seeks to bolster their defense next summer window.

Meanwhile, Konaté remains unfazed by the rumors, jokingly disclosing a potential influence of Kylian Mbappé, who could sway him towards a move to Real Madrid.

The Premier League champions are eager to avoid losing the France international defender on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.

The rock-solid defender joined Liverpool in July 2021 from German outfit RB Leipzig and has since established himself as a key member of the team.

This season, Konate has featured in all three matches in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign despite dragging his feet to sign a new deal.