Ibrahima Konaté, the 26-year-old France international centre-back currently playing for Liverpool, is set to leave the club as a free agent in 2026. Negotiations for a contract renewal have stalled, with Konaté rejecting two offers from Liverpool and expressing a strong preference to join Real Madrid. Although Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have shown interest, Konaté has made it clear through intermediaries that Real Madrid is his sole destination if he departs Liverpool. Liverpool, wary of losing him for free next summer, would prefer to sell Konaté this summer and have set a price tag of around €50 million (£43.5 million). However, Real Madrid is only willing to offer between €20 million and €25 million, as they plan to wait and sign him on a free transfer in 2026, similar to their previous acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The situation remains fluid, with Real Madrid potentially making a move this summer if Liverpool lowers their asking price or if a defender is sold by the Spanish club. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also showing interest in Kees Smit, a 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar who was recently named the best player at the U19 European Championship and has a contract with AZ until 2028. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also reportedly pursuing Smit. Liverpool is not currently engaging in a contract extension battle with Konaté, and the club is focused on resolving the situation without a prolonged standoff. The developments come amid broader transfer activities as clubs prepare for the upcoming season.