With Real Madrid preying on Liverpool players, the Reds are planning to tie down their important players to avoid any future complications.
Ibrahima Konaté already has one foot out the door as Los Blancos are seemingly coming for the defender in the summer of 2026.
Xabi Alonso’s side has been a long-time admirer of the 26-year-old defender, as Madrid are planning a shopping spree in the upcoming transfer windows.
Konaté’s contract expires at the end of this season, and all attempts to tie him down have been for nought. Liverpool even offered the Frenchman a £115,000-a-week salary bump, but it wasn’t enough to convince him.
The centre-back’s appetite seems much larger as Real Madrid might be willing to offer him a higher raise. Another player who seems to have caught the Spanish giants’ eyes is Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool focuses on a contract extension for Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch is set to secure a new long-term contract with Liverpool (Credits: Imago Images)
A £35m signing from Bayern Munich, the 23-year-old has lit up the Premier League. In just four appearances this season, the Dutchman has scored two goals and assisted once.
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has even claimed that his fellow Dutch international is “in the form of his life”. Van Dijk even praised his recent contributions at Anfield.
“He’s in incredible shape, in the form of his life. He has to keep going. He’s still so young. The expectation level will always be right up there, and that’s what he has to try to reach every three or four days. It’s a nice challenge”, Van Dijk told The Athletic.
Now, talkSPORT reports, the Reds are planning on a contract extension to secure Gravenberch’s career on the Isles.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Fabrizio Romano downplays Real Madrid interest
Arne Slot definitely sees Gravenberch in his long-term plans. There aren’t any further details regarding the extension, but all we know is that his current contract runs till 2028.
Despite having plenty of time to play out an extension in the future, the Reds are focused on tying down important players so situations like Konaté’s don’t arise again.
Also, having received interest from Real Madrid, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has actually tried to downplay the situation.
“Liverpool are interested in Gravenberch, they love him! So let them enjoy this great season”, Romano said on Threads.
The Italian transfer expert didn’t directly deny any links but definitely sees no movements in the winter following an emphasis on “season”.
