Softfootball have been informed that Ibrahima Konate has told Liverpool that he is open to a departure this summer, so long as Real Madrid sign him. The French defender is into the final year of his contract with the Reds.
According to a report from Marca, Konate has already told the Liverpool leadership that he wouldn’t mind leaving the club this summer, as long as Real Madrid make an offer for him.
The Premier League champions are seriously considering cashing in on the Frenchman who is into the final year of his contract at Anfield amid fears that they might lose him for free next summer in a repeat of the Alexander-Arnold situation.
Konate has turned down multiple renewal proposals from the Reds and has made it clear to the club that he hasn’t turned down those offers because of money. The French international will continue to remain patient, provided he gets the opportunity to wear the famous Real Madrid shirt.
Madrid are intent on shoring up their defence as they transition into a new era under new manager Xabi Alonso. The likes of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger find themselves on the wrong side of their thirties, with injuries catching up on them.
As with their transfers of recent, the Los Blancos consider signing Konate as a free agent next year as the ideal scenario but a move for the 26-year-old could materialise this summer, under the condition that they can manage to offload one of the first-team defenders.
The Reds have had an emotional start to July with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in car fire accident. Earlier reports by Softfootball revealed that Slot’s team will begin their pre-season with an emotional return on Sunday.
Liverpool are set to return to action this Sunday in an emotional pre-season opener against Preston North End at Deepdale. The game will mark their first appearance since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, just over a week ago.
Liverpool have officially retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt in honor of the Portuguese star. Both clubs are expected to hold a tribute ahead of kick-off in what promises to be a deeply heartfelt occasion.
