Liverpool Faces Contract Stalemate as Konaté Rejects Offer amid Real Madrid Interest

Liverpool has secured Virgil van Dijk on a new two-year contract, but the futures of other key defenders remain uncertain amid ongoing contract negotiations. Ibrahima Konaté, whose current deal expires in 2026, has rejected Liverpool's initial contract offer due to disagreements over wage structure, particularly the heavy reliance on performance-based incentives rather than a higher guaranteed salary. This stalemate has raised concerns that Konaté could leave Liverpool on a free transfer next summer, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in signing him. Liverpool’s reluctance to meet Konaté's wage demands is influenced by his previous injury record and a strategic preference for incentivized contracts. The club is reportedly considering a potential replacement in Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, whose contract also expires next summer. These developments follow Liverpool’s recent loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and highlight the club's challenges in retaining top defensive talents while planning for the future under manager Arne Slot.