Ibrahima Konate has joked that Kylian Mbappe calls him “every two hours” about a possible move to Real Madrid, while reports suggest Liverpool will “not beg” the defender to stay.
Known for his outgoing personality, Konate made light of the situation, though his comments have drawn attention given the ongoing speculation around his future.
His current contract expires next summer, and talks over an extension have stalled.
The remark came during a quickfire Q&A on TF1.
Asked: “The Spanish press is sending you to Real Madrid next season. Is Kylian Mbappe putting a bit of pressure on you to come?”
Konate said: “He calls me every two hours!” before quickly clarifying, “No, no, no.”
He also denied suggestions that he had already began learning Spanish.
The interview aired around the same time as The Times’ Paul Joyce reported that Liverpool “will not beg anyone to remain at Anfield.”
Joyce explained: “Konate’s future remains uncertain. The France defender has entered the final year of his deal and long-standing attempts to persuade him to sign a new contract remain at an impasse.
“Real Madrid have been identified as potential suitors next summer and, while Liverpool do not want to lose the player, they will not beg anyone to remain at Anfield.”
While Liverpool have been in negotiations for some time, Joyce made clear that no progress has been made.
The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe echoed that view, noting: “The dialogue has been ongoing, and a new contract has been ready to sign for a while.
“Liverpool do not want to wait another 10 months for a resolution, but are pragmatic about the outcome.”
Bascombe also suggested that Liverpool’s recent moves for Giovanni Leoni and interest in Marc Guehi show forward planning, with Guehi seen as a potential replacement for Joe Gomez if he departs on a free transfer.
Ideally, Liverpool would want reinforcements to compete with Konate alongside Virgil van Dijk, and eventually succeed the captain.
But as things stand, there is a real possibility that Konate – who turned 26 in May – could leave Anfield before Van Dijk does.
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