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Liverpool faces another contract tussle with Real Madrid

Originally posted on The Kop Times | By Siddharth Juyal | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 2:42 PM ET

Liverpool are racing against time to extend the contract of Ibrahima Konate after he rejected their latest approach amid interest from Real Madrid. The Reds lost former vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real during the summer, accumulating only £10m for the 26-year-old right back.

Liverpool have faced issues in the defence during the start of the new season, showcasing vulnerabilities under Arne Slot. Those vulnerabilities come from the excessive attacking style that Slot has opted to deploy at the club this season.

The drastic change began with the incredible transfer window that Liverpool enjoyed, securing multiple established, attack-minded players. However, last season Slot has emphasised more patience in his build-up, demanding a balance between risk and reward factors.

That balance remains speculative for this season, given the numerous attacking talents at the club and the fragile defence. Konate’s early form has acted as one of the biggest causes for concern for the Reds, with limited defensive options.

The Reds have already conceded four goals in three matches in the Premier League this season. According to the Spanish publication Marca, Konate has once again rejected a new contract offer from Liverpool amid interest from Real.

Konate’s form and another attempt from Real to sign a Liverpool starter for free have the fanbase divided. Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has recently criticised the French defender for his struggles against Newcastle United.

The biggest problem for Liverpool is that they only have Joe Gomez as a natural centre-back backup for Konate. Slot needs to find solutions internally as the transfer window is shut until January, when players govern inflated asking prices.

Rest assured, Konate needs to improve his form drastically to prove that he is worthy of a new contract. At the same time, Trent’s struggle to establish himself at Real also reminds us that some clubs act more ruthlessly compared to Liverpool.

This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.

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