Liverpool's centre-back Ibrahima Konaté's potential move to Real Madrid is thought to have collapsed.
Madrid has informed Liverpool in clear terms that they will not be attempting to sign the 26-year-old France international, according to reports, despite widespread speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabéu.
Konaté's current deal expires at the season's end, allowing him to enter pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs from January 1.
The La Liga giants had been considered strong contenders for Konaté's signature ahead of his contract expiry.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The Athletic reports that Madrid's message was delivered "directly and unequivocally", putting an end to persistent rumours about the defender's potential switch to Spain.
Liverpool initiated extension talks back in 2023, with sporting director Richard Hughes taking charge of negotiations after his appointment in June 2024.
The club and the French defender have reached no agreement for an extension.
Madrid's withdrawal strengthens Liverpool's negotiating position, as they seek to prevent the 26-year-old from departing on a free transfer.
Liverpool's centre-back Ibrahima Konaté's potential move to Real Madrid has reportedly collapsed
|GETTY
The centre-back's contractual situation remains unresolved, with his decision pending amid Liverpool's challenging campaign and his own dip in performances.
Liverpool's struggles have intensified, with nine defeats in their last 12 matches, including a 4-1 thrashing by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
The Dutch side's third goal came directly from Konaté's error, highlighting his difficult campaign.
The Reds suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, with Konaté withdrawn after just 55 minutes.
LATEST SPORT NEWS
Liverpool has conceded 17 goals in the 12 Premier League matches featuring the Frenchman
|GETTY
Liverpool has conceded 17 goals in the 12 Premier League matches featuring the Frenchman, averaging a goal against every 58 minutes.
The team currently sits 12th in the Premier League table, with manager Arne Slot facing mounting pressure alongside underperforming stars including Konaté, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Following the Champions League defeat, Jamie Carragher claimed that Liverpool should sack Arne Slot for continually selecting Ibrahima Konate.
In an angry rant, the pundit said: "I've f****** had enough of them, honest to God, that Konate."
Konaté addressed supporters through social media on Thursday
|GETTY
He added: "I mean, that's a sackable offence for the manager, he keeps picking him. He should be sacked for that."
Konaté addressed supporters through social media on Thursday, acknowledging the team's difficulties.
"We have to take this moment on the chest," the defender wrote on X, accepting that "criticism is part of football" whilst pledging to "fight back every time and come through this storm."
He emphasised the importance of fan backing, stating: "Your voice and your support mean everything to us. We know we need to improve and we'll keep fighting for you. Always."
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter