Liverpool’s Premier League rivals are trying to sign Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer.
Ibrahima Konate is catching a lot of attention ahead of the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and one of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals all wanting to sign him for free. It seems like Konate has played his last game for Liverpool, as reports say he couldn’t agree on a new contract.
The 27-year-old defender, who has played 51 times this season, has been in talks about renewing his deal for months. Last month, he even hinted that they were close to an agreement. He said, “There are many things people have said, but we’ve been talking with the club for a long time and are close to an agreement. There’s a big chance I’ll be here next season. That’s always been my wish.”
But after some disagreements during a tough season at Anfield, it looks like he will leave for free this summer. As expected, many clubs want the experienced Konate. According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been watching him closely.
Surprisingly, Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea are also planning to “try their luck.” A report from Defensa Central says Alonso recommended Konate when he was Real Madrid’s manager and spoke about him with the club president.
Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million and has played 183 times for the club, winning the Premier League, two Carabao Cups, and an FA Cup.
Before becoming Chelsea’s new boss, Alonso wanted clear answers about the club’s transfer plans and coaching power, ESPN reports.
Another transfer that might happen soon involves AC Milan’s French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who Chelsea’s staff really likes. Last summer, he nearly joined Chelsea and said yes, but the deal fell apart because of his price, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Now, Chelsea is interested in Maignan again as they want to improve on their current keeper, Robert Sanchez. The report says, “Chelsea hasn’t forgotten Mike. For now, they’re just learning more about him, but if AC Milan’s season ends badly, this could turn into a real deal.”
AC Milan did miss out on the Champions League this season, which their leaders called a “clear failure.”