TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Chelsea have enquired about the possibility of signing Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool this summer.
The Reds have found themselves in a very difficult position with player contracts. All eyes have been on Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deals running out in 2025.
Arne Slot’s side are locked in talks with all of the above, but there are growing concerns at Anfield over another player too – Konate.
The Frenchman has entered the final 18 months of his contract, and there is growing interest in him ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea and Barcelona enquire about signing Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool
TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Liverpool are continuing to work on trying to keep Van Dijk, but they are also in talks with his central defensive partner Konate.
The Reds’ issues trying to tie down van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold have dominated their time for much of the last 12 months. However, whilst their big three have been prioritised to some extent given they are out-of-contract this summer, the club’s hierarchy have also been talking to others.
Konate has emerged as a real concern to Liverpool.
TBR Football can confirm that the France international defender has rebuffed Liverpool’s opening offers of a new deal, which were made towards the end of 2024. Talks have continued but there have been no breakthrough in what is turning into another major contractual concern for the club.
Konate’s current deal expires in 2026 and his situation has seen rival clubs take an interest. Paris Saint-Germain have a long-standing interest, whilst Real Madrid are in the market for a new central defender and are keeping tabs on his progress.
But, TBR can now reveal that Barcelona and Chelsea have both made enquiries in recent months about Konate’s situation.
The two clubs have made the defender’s representatives aware that they have an interest in signing the 25-year-old. That, again, turns up the pressure on Liverpool.
What Konate has said about his Liverpool contract
Konate hasn’t been too vocal about his future.
However, the France international did confirm in January this year that Liverpool had offered him a new contract that would extend his stay at the club beyond 2026.
But, Konate, who has been hailed as ‘world-class’ by Ollie Watkins, refused to confirm whether he would sign it.
He said at the time, as per The Express: “I think I am really focused on what happens now. We will see what will happen.
“Yes (I have been offered a deal). This is another conversation (whether I am close to signing).”
