🚨 NEWSStunning report claims Konate U-turn as Liverpool, Real Madrid get shock update…

A remarkable report suggests a turnaround for Konate as Liverpool and Real Madrid receive surprising news.

Ibrahima Konate is actively engaged in discussions for a new contract with Liverpool, with the club reportedly feeling ‘confident’ that a deal can be finalized, according to a new report – while TEAMtalk examines the two significant bargaining advantages the player possesses that may frustrate chief contenders Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old defender is currently in the final year of the contract he signed upon his arrival from RB Leipzig in a £36m (€40m, $46m) transfer during the summer of 2021.

A crucial player in last season’s championship victory under Arne Slot, Konate has become one of the most reliable and solid figures in global football during his tenure at Liverpool.

Discussions regarding a new contract to prolong Konate’s time at Anfield commenced last autumn, and at that point, there was optimism that an agreement between the player and the club was imminent.

However, a year later, no extension has been finalized, and recent weeks have seen increased speculation that Konate might be the next Reds player to leave for Real Madrid as a free agent.

In fact, strong reports from Spain this week even suggested that the transfer to the Bernabeu was a ‘done deal,’ with an announcement regarding his future expected in early January.

Nevertheless, the French publication L’Equipe has firmly denied these assertions and has now disclosed that Konate is actually eager to remain at Anfield, with recent interactions with the Merseyside club instilling a ‘confidence’ that a new agreement can soon be reached.

They report that the 25-times capped France international is ‘very happy’ at Anfield, although they recognize that several ‘points’ still need to be addressed before a complete agreement can be finalized.

As indicated in the report, Konate still has some matters to settle before a comprehensive agreement regarding his continued presence at Liverpool can be established.

Currently earning approximately £70,000 weekly, it was reported earlier last month that Konate is pursuing a contract closer to £200,000 per week to remain at Anfield and to reflect his standing with Liverpool.

Examining his situation, the 26-year-old undoubtedly has a compelling argument.

He has participated in nine of Liverpool’s 10 matches this season, having only been rested during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.

As the preferred partner alongside Virgil van Dijk in defense, Konate played in 31 of last season’s 38 Premier League games – starting 30 of them – and accumulated around 2567 minutes on the pitch. This is the highest total he has achieved in any of his last three seasons at Merseyside.

Well ahead of players like Joe Gomez and the unfortunate Giovanni Leoni in the hierarchy, only injuries could hinder his starting position for the Reds this season, with the Reds’ No.5 already having participated in 510 of 540 Premier League minutes thus far.

Clearly, his significance for Liverpool and Arne Slot is evident to all.

However, being a regular is not his only leverage, as the Reds are acutely aware that he could depart for Real as a free agent next summer and potentially enter into a pre-contract agreement with them starting January 1.