Konate, whose deal runs out in June 2026, is able to agree a pre-contract with overseas clubs from January onwards, with Real Madrid heavily linked with him in recent months.

However, it has been reported Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Konate as they focus on other options.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (10 December) Konate could still agree a new contract with Liverpool in the coming weeks.

Liverpool signed the France international from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 after activating his £36million release clause.

Ibrahima Konate has been waiting for offer to quit Liverpool

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Konate is still likely to leave Arne Slot’s side even if Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign him.

Konate has been criticised by Liverpool fans following his performances in the opening months of the campaign.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the significance of Real Madrid ending their interest, Borson said: “That was what he was apparently waiting for, but his form has been obviously very poor this season, although he keeps playing.

“I think it’s likely that he goes somewhere. If we have got to this stage, you would think there would be other clubs that are interested in a free transfer that you must be talking to.

“I find it hard to believe he’s put everything into Real Madrid and now finds himself with no contract.

“I mean, it’s possible, of course, but I think if it was like that, then you would think that his agent would be on the phone to Liverpool going, ‘We’d like to sign, and we’d like to do it quickly’ because if he really hasn’t engaged with other clubs, then he’s going to be very keen.”

Konate has started in all 22 of his appearances this season, including Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday (9 December).

Konate has decided to quit Liverpool for free

Borson suggested it would be a risk for Konate to put everything on joining Real Madrid.

“I think he seems to have decided that he’d like to go on a free, whether it’s Real Madrid or somewhere else,” said Borson.

“I might be wrong. Maybe he just loaded it into Real Madrid and that was it, but that would seem to not be the best move because team’s priorities change and you can find yourself without any contracts at all.” 

Liverpool will be keen to get some clarification on Konate’s situation before the January transfer window opens in three weeks’ time.

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