Key Takeaways:
- Last month, intermediaries alerted Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City to the possibility of Ibrahima Konate becoming available on a free transfer next summer
- Liverpool sustained discussions with Konate’s representatives in October, with the club optimistic that fresh terms can be agreed
- Chelsea and Liverpool are both expected to pursue Marc Guehi as the Crystal Palace defender’s contract nears its end
Interest Intensifies in Konate Amid Liverpool Contract Talks
Liverpool remain determined to retain Ibrahima Konate, but multiple Premier League contenders are preparing to act should his contract situation remain unresolved. TBR Football has learned that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all been made aware via intermediaries that Konate could become available at no cost once his current deal concludes next summer.
The French centre-back initially struggled for form at the start of the season, but recent performances under Arne Slot’s revised tactics have been impressive, coinciding with Liverpool’s flawless beginning to the new campaign. Konate has previously drawn interest from European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, both seeking defensive reinforcements, but Liverpool are now also seeing domestic interest escalate.
Despite intermediaries circulating Konate’s availability, Liverpool understand that the player is not actively seeking a move, with agents simply exploring his market options. The Merseyside club is not surprised by the increased attention and remains committed to negotiating a contract extension.
🎖️| @FabrizioRomano: At the moment, a new deal for Ibrahima Konate looks difficult. There has been no agreement and nothing is close. pic.twitter.com/ZT7lc54kJO
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) September 25, 2025
Liverpool’s Contract Strategy and Guehi Pursuit
Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, underscored Liverpool’s resolve to secure Konate’s future while anticipating considerable competition for his signature. Bailey commented: “The ideal scenario for Liverpool is a new contract for Konate and signing Guehi on a free, but this is football and obviously neither could happen.
“Richard Hughes, though, has gone head-to-head with Europe’s finest this summer, bringing in the likes of Isak, Kerkez and Ekitike – Liverpool fear nobody, both on the pitch or off it.
“But with Konate, they are aware that it is not just the likes of Madrid and Munich who could try and make him an offer, but they accept that – why wouldn’t someone like Chelsea make an offer if he is available on a free? Although clearly they hope it does not get to that point.”
Negotiations with Konate’s camp persisted into October. Although the centre-back turned down earlier offers, Liverpool believe ongoing communication has been positive, nurturing optimism that a new agreement can be achieved. Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, following activation of his £36 million release clause, the 26-year-old has become a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s central defence, performing alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool have clarified that their interest in Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window operates independently of Konate’s situation. With Guehi’s contract at Crystal Palace approaching expiry at the end of the season, the Reds are set to compete for his signing.
| Player | Current Club | Summer 2021 Transfer Fee | Contract Expiry | Interested Clubs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahima Konate | Liverpool | £36 million | 2026 | Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich |
| Marc Guehi | Crystal Palace | N/A | 2026 | Liverpool, Chelsea |
Competition for Marc Guehi Intensifies
Chelsea, who previously developed Guehi in their academy for 12 years prior to his move to Crystal Palace in 2021, have renewed their interest and are hopeful of orchestrating his return to Stamford Bridge. Guehi rose through the ranks in west London before progressing with Championship experience at Swansea City, eventually earning the Crystal Palace captaincy and solidifying his place in the England national team.
Looking ahead to 2026, Guehi is likely to draw significant demand as a free agent. Both Chelsea and Liverpool are expected to compete for his signature, with other suitors also anticipated in what promises to be a lively transfer contest.
Injury Update: Giovanni Leoni Sidelined
Liverpool’s defensive ranks were recently dealt a blow with Giovanni Leoni suffering an ACL injury following his Carabao Cup debut against Southampton. The summer recruit is consequently expected to spend much of his inaugural season in England sidelined.
