Ibrahima Konaté’s Liverpool future is under major threat, with the centre-back increasingly expected to leave Anfield despite losing out on his long-rumoured dream move to Real Madrid.

That is the view of former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown — a well-connected figure in elite recruitment — who has told Football Insider that Konaté remains unlikely to sign a new deal and is edging closer to the exit door.

Liverpool have been locked in negotiations with the French defender since early autumn, yet talks have stalled with little sign of a breakthrough. Initially, the club were confident of tying Konaté down well beyond the end of his current contract in 2026. As the weeks pass, however, belief inside Anfield has shifted. The club’s hierarchy are beginning to contemplate life without him — and their scouting teams have already moved into replacement-planning mode.

Throughout the year, Konaté had been heavily linked with Real Madrid, who were seeking defensive reinforcements for their next era of dominance. That interest was widely believed to match the player’s personal ambitions, leaving many around the game to assume his long-term future lay in LaLiga.

But that pursuit is no longer active. Madrid have withdrawn, cooling their interest after monitoring his early-season displays — and that unexpected turn has complicated the landscape.

Despite the setback, Brown insists it does not mean Konaté will simply settle and remain at Liverpool.

“Real Madrid dropping out doesn’t mean he stays,” Brown explained. “Liverpool have concerns — serious ones — and they’ve grown stronger based on his performances this season.”

Konaté has remained a regular starter under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Yet while his best form can be outstanding — powerful, aggressive, and dominant in duels — the defender has also produced several costly lapses that have frustrated supporters and raised flags within the club’s recruitment and analysis teams.

“The good side of him is very good,” Brown continued. “But he has that weakness — he can let a game get away from him in one moment. Liverpool clearly believe they can upgrade in that position, and that’s why they’re hesitating.”

Konaté has reportedly turned down Liverpool’s latest contract offer, which only heightens the expectation that a split could soon be inevitable. With top clubs across Europe maintaining interest, Brown believes a strong market will remain open.

“Even without Madrid, he will not be short of suitors,” Brown said. “If he runs his contract down, opportunities will be there for him. That’s why I believe he will still leave — the move just won’t be the one many expected.”

Two of Europe’s other giants are already watching closely: Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Both are known to be exploring defensive reinforcements and value Konaté’s age profile, physicality, and Champions League experience.

Privately, Liverpool are wrestling with that exact dilemma.

Do they commit to a player whose ceiling remains high — or choose to cash in while the market is strong and use funds to modernise their defensive core?

If his trajectory continues on its current path, the club may decide the latter is the wiser strategy.

Football Insider exclusively reported in November that Liverpool are preparing to make a defensive signing in January — a move directly linked to uncertainty surrounding Konaté. A shortlist has already been constructed, and discussions have been held about valuations and availability.

Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s No. 1 target as they look toward the next phase of their back-line rebuild. The Crystal Palace star is viewed as an ideal stylistic fit for Slot’s defensive structure — composed, strong in possession, and Premier League-proven.

However, negotiations for Guehi are complicated and expected to be expensive.

Another talent Liverpool admire is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, though Villa have made it clear they will not sanction a January sale under any circumstances. That stance is unlikely to soften unless a major club arrives with a colossal bid in the summer.

Other young European profiles are also under active assessment, ensuring Liverpool can move quickly if Konaté’s departure is accelerated.

All factors point toward a tense second half of the season for Konaté. His performances will be scrutinised heavily as Liverpool weigh up a crucial long-term decision — one that could reshape their defensive identity for years to come.

Brown’s verdict is clear:

“Liverpool will be ready to let him go if the right offer comes. It now feels a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’, Konaté leaves — even if it isn’t the move anybody expected originally.”

For now, the France international continues to start matches and fight for his place under Slot. But the club no longer seem convinced that committing him to a new era is the correct path.

A defender once believed to be central to Liverpool’s future may instead become a high-profile departure — another sign of the sweeping rebuild quietly taking shape at Anfield.