Liverpool face a major defensive dilemma as Ibrahima Konaté moves closer to leaving Anfield after rejecting a new contract offer, according to Football Insider.

The French centre-back is entering the final year of his deal, and negotiations over an extension have reportedly stalled, fuelling speculation about a potential summer departure.

Sources indicate that both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are closely monitoring the situation, ready to act if no agreement is reached before the January transfer window.

Konaté’s name has long been on the radar of Europe’s elite, with Barcelona also previously linked, but Liverpool opted to keep him this past summer rather than cash in.

PSG and Real Madrid ready to pounce

The growing uncertainty around Konaté’s future has alerted PSG, who are keen to strengthen their defensive options with a French international of his calibre.

Real Madrid are also said to be interested, viewing the 25-year-old as a long-term successor to their current centre-back pairing.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are eager to retain him but have yet to meet his wage expectations. Reports suggest Konaté currently earns well over £140,000 a week, and he is seeking a deal that reflects his role as one of the club’s key defenders.

Ornstein offers cautious optimism

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has provided a more measured perspective on the saga, clarifying that the situation may not be as final as initial reports suggest.

Speaking on NBC Sports Soccer, Ornstein explained that the issue is less about rejection and more about ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield an agreement.

“Talks are active, but nothing is close just yet,” Ornstein noted. “He wants a contract that puts him among the club’s top earners, and deservedly so. But it’s something Liverpool need to sort out, and it could already be affecting the team.”

Liverpool facing tough summer decisions

If no breakthrough arrives in the coming months, Liverpool may be forced to consider selling Konaté next summer to avoid losing him for free in 2026.

With PSG and Real Madrid circling, the pressure is on sporting director Richard Hughes to either secure a renewal or line up a replacement.

As things stand, the French defender’s future remains one of the key uncertainties surrounding Liverpool’s long-term defensive plans.