Konate to leave Liverpool on a free as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern circle

Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool as a free agent this summer after contract talks collapsed, the club confirmed, opening the door for a host of Europe’s biggest clubs to pursue the France international without a transfer fee.

Negotiations between Konate and Liverpool had appeared close to a resolution as recently as April, when an agreement was widely reported to be imminent. Six weeks later, however, no deal has been signed, and Liverpool have announced the 25-year-old will depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Real Madrid revive their interest

Real Madrid had previously withdrawn from the race for Konate. According to Diario AS, Los Blancos held months of talks with the defender’s camp before pulling out in November, put off by a dip in form Konate suffered around that time. With the centre-back now available for nothing, Madrid have reconsidered and are once again weighing up a move.

Free transfers have been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy over the past six years, and Konate fits the profile. The club intend to add one or two central defenders this summer. Diario AS add that incoming manager Jose Mourinho — who is expected to be officially announced within the next two weeks — will have the final say on whether Madrid make a formal approach.

Chelsea and Bayern also in the frame

Real Madrid are not alone in their interest. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are both considering offers for Konate, and there is reported interest from Serie A clubs as well, making this one of the more competitive free-agent pursuits of the summer window.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad have also entered the picture, according to FootMercato. The Jeddah side view Konate as a priority target and are prepared to table a lucrative offer, though they will need to outbid European rivals to convince him to leave the continent’s top-level football.