Real Madrid have informed Liverpool that they will not be making a move for Ibrahima Konate, despite months of speculation linking him with a free transfer next summer.
The Spanish champions had been touted as the leading suitors for the 26-year-old, whose contract at Anfield is due to expire at the end of the season.
Liverpool have been attempting to extend Konate’s deal since 2023, and those talks continued under sporting director Richard Hughes, who took over the role last June.
The club believe they have shown a clear intention to keep the France international on Merseyside, but the absence of a breakthrough has left his future open going into the final months of his contract.
Konate will be free to speak with foreign clubs from January, yet his departure is not guaranteed, and the clarity from Madrid removes what had been viewed as the likeliest route out of Anfield.
The Athletic claims Madrid contacted Liverpool directly to state in unequivocal terms that they will not pursue negotiations for the centre-back.
Their stance ends the prospect of Konate following Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu Stadium after his free-transfer move last summer.
Liverpool are still weighing up their defensive options after failing with a late push for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi last summer.
Their interest in the England international is expected to continue over the next few months.
Any attempt to bring in another centre-back would inevitably shape the situation around Konate, who has accumulated more than 150 appearances since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021.
His form has been scrutinised this season following a series of high-profile errors, but he remains a regular starter under manager Arne Slot.
He has also become a full international for France during his time at Anfield, earning 26 caps and playing in the 2022 World Cup final.
Liverpool must now decide whether they can convince him to commit to fresh terms or allow him to join the growing list of high-profile free agents on the market.
