Speculation over Ibrahima Konaté future has intensified after the Liverpool defender was revealed to be studying Spanish on Duolingo.

The language-learning app disclosed that the Frenchman is currently competing in its Spanish Diamond League, sparking suggestions he could be preparing for a move to Real Madrid.

With his contract at Anfield set to expire in six months, the timing has only added fuel to the rumours.

Fans reminded of Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer

Liverpool supporters were quick to draw parallels with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also revealed he had been learning Spanish in the months before his free transfer to Los Blancos was announced earlier this year.

For many, Konaté’s studies seem like a familiar warning sign. While the centre-back has yet to reach the highest levels of the Diamond League, the symbolism has not gone unnoticed.

Contract situation adds to uncertainty

Konaté’s current deal expires next summer, leaving him free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January.

Reports from France suggest Liverpool have put a new contract on the table, but no agreement has been reached so far. Negotiations are ongoing, but the lack of clarity has left supporters anxious.

Real Madrid’s interest is understood to have grown following William Saliba’s long-term renewal at Arsenal, which removed one of their primary centre-back targets.

With Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba both out of contract at the end of the season, Madrid are expected to step up their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

Spanish skills a potential bargaining chip

For Konaté, improving his Spanish could be more than just a hobby. At the very least, it could serve as a bargaining tool in discussions with Liverpool, signalling he has genuine options abroad. It may also ease his potential integration at the Bernabéu, should Madrid firm up their interest.

Even if a transfer does not materialise, Konaté’s growing language skills would at least allow him to bond with Spanish-speaking teammates like Alexis Mac Allister, especially following the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez in the summer.

Form and fitness remain concerns

While talk of a Madrid switch grows, there are still question marks about Konaté’s form. The 26-year-old has endured a mixed campaign, struggling in high-pressure matches against Galatasaray, Bournemouth, and Newcastle. Injuries have also been a recurring issue during his time at Anfield, raising doubts about his long-term reliability.

For Real Madrid, those concerns may weigh against his potential as a free signing. For Liverpool, it complicates the decision of whether to extend his stay or allow him to leave at the end of his contract.

A saga to watch ahead of January

With contract talks ongoing and Madrid monitoring the situation closely, Konaté’s future looks set to be one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the coming months.

Whether his Duolingo studies are simply a coincidence or a sign of what lies ahead, Reds supporters will be watching closely.