With his contract expiring in June 2026, Ibrahima Konaté had emerged as a target for Real Madrid. However, the French defender now appears to be moving away from the Spanish side, acknowledging that he is close to renewing his contract with Liverpool after several months of speculation. Ibrahima Konaté’s future has been one of the longest-running storylines at Liverpool this season. With his contract expiring in June 2026, he emerged as a target for Real Madrid as a potential free transfer reinforcement. However, the Frenchman now appears to be moving away from the Spanish side. Instead, the 26-year-old center-back has acknowledged that he is close to renewing with the Reds, effectively putting an end to speculation about his future. “There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement. I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season…I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet,” Konaté said, after the latest game. With his contract renewal now quite close, Ibrahima Konaté is moving away from Real Madrid, who are reportedly searching for a reliable defender. While the Frenchman was considered a strong option, Los Blancos were not fully convinced by his high salary demands. In addition, the 26-year-old has established as a leader in defense alongside Virgil van Dijk, becoming a key figure for Arne Slot at Liverpool FC as they build for the future. Following Konaté’s refusal, Real Madrid will be forced to look elsewhere, with Nico Schlotterbeck still on their radar. Despite recently renewing with Borussia Dortmund, the German reportedly has a €50–60M clause valid for both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Alongside him, the potential return of Jacobo Ramón or a move for Cristian Romero remain alternative options, further reducing the chances of Ibrahima’s arrival. Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain is tackled by Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool. Ibrahima Konate lined up as Van Dijk’s successor at Liverpool Liverpool are not experiencing their best season, having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and struggling in the Premier League. While Ibrahima Konaté has shown inconsistent performances at times, he has managed to regain form and has emerged as an undisputed starter for Arne Slot. Following progress in his contract renewal talks, the French defender is now seen as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. While van Dijk is still an undisputed starter for the Reds, he is reportedly set to leave the club in 2027. As a result, Ibrahima Konaté is emerging as his successor in terms of leadership at the back, especially with young defenders like Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet still developing, and Joe Gomez also expected to be sold. In addition, the Frenchman has proven to be one of the most impactful players in the squad, leaving the team in capable hands defensively.

Italian hopes he can help youngster shine after difficult debut campaign

Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League were handed a huge boost as they beat Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby on Sunday. After Beto had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opener, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk header home the winner deep into added-time, earning Arne Slot’s side a higely important victory in the […]

Tottenham star Xavi Simons could make a premature exit

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has said he already has a "special connection" with Xavi Simons.

Juventus is plotting a substantial retool of their midfield, and making the top four would allow them to execute their strategy without selling players they’d like to keep, for instance, Khephren Thuram. The brass would much rather part ways with Teun Koopmeiners, who has fallen off the radar again. The post Juventus Keen on Napoli and Atalanta Centerpieces appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Inter Milan could reportedly hand veteran center-back Stefan de Vrij a short-term contract extension at the end of the season. According to Il Giorno via FCInter1908, the Dutch defender could stay at San Siro for one more season despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. Stefan de Vrij is one of the five Inter Milan stars with […] The post Report – Four Inter Milan Veterans Set To Leave San Siro In June: Nerazzurri Considering Shock Renewal Of Dutch Star’s Contract appeared first on SempreInter.com.

The Netherlands were beaten by winners Argentina back in 2022, but face some problems ahead of this year's tournament, although a legend has returned to help out.

Tottenham's Roberto De Zerbi forming 'special connection' with Xavi Simons espn.in

Phil Egan brings you a packed Monday Football Daily covering Premier League title drama, European qualification races and Dutch cup success. Manchester City move closer to Arsenal in the Premier League title race with a 2–1 victory at the Etihad Stadium. Rayan Cherki opens the scoring before Kai Havertz equalises following a goalkeeping error. Erling Haaland scores the winner as Pep Guardiola’s side cut the gap to three points with a game in hand. Guardiola urges caution while Mikel Arteta insists the title race is not over. Brian Kerr analyses Gianluigi Donnarumma’s mistake, and crucial saves at 1–1. Liverpool boost their Champions League hopes with a dramatic 2–1 Merseyside derby win over Everton. Mohamed Salah scores, Beto equalises, and Virgil van Dijk heads a stoppage-time winner. David Moyes remains positive despite Everton’s late defeat in the first derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Aston Villa edge Sunderland 4–3 with late heroics from Tammy Abraham to strengthen their top-four push. Nottingham Forest’s 4–1 win over Burnley keeps them clear of relegation danger. West Ham aim to move further from the drop zone ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace. Troy Parrott scores and assists as AZ Alkmaar win the Dutch Cup and qualify for the Europa League. Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros lose ground in the Hungarian title race after defeat to Gyori. Bayern Munich seal another Bundesliga title while Ipswich strengthen promotion hopes and Celtic set up a Scottish Cup final with a old friend. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join