Key details revealed as Ibrahima Konate fails to sign new Liverpool contract - Euro Transfer News
Published 29/05/2026 at 18:12 GMT+1
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Leading Friday's Euro Transfer News is a breakdown of how Ibrahima Konate failed to agree a new contract at Liverpool with the defender now set to leave Anfield on a free transfer.
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Konate was linked with a move to Real Madrid last year, but reports of his departure went cold in recent months as it looked increasingly likely that he would sign a new deal with the club.
The France international’s current contract is set to expire in June, leaving little time to get the agreement over the line.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reveals how the Premier League club failed in their attempt to extend the defender's contract.
”The story is over, the deal is off,” he said on his Youtube channel. "Konate is going to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer.
”That is a big story because in April, the agreement was very close. Two things were missing. One was linked to the bonus into his contract.
”Then also, how to activate some of the normal bonuses. The extra bonuses were about winning trophies, and then the other regular bonuses were about the number of appearances and those sorts of things.”
Mourinho keep tabs on Olise?
Christian Falk of CF Bayern Insider has dismissed claims that Jose Mourinho attended the DFB Pokal final between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart to tempt France international Michael Olise to Real Madrid.
The Special One, who is still manager of Benfica despite rumours that he could make a sensational return to Los Blancos, was in attendance at the Olympiastadion in Berlin as Bayern cruised to a 3-0 win over their Bundesliga rivals.
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The visit sparked reports that he was there to take a look at Olise, who has enjoyed another remarkable campaign in Germany.
Falk insists that Mourinho was there at Stuttgart’s invitation, rather than to convince Olise to sign for Madrid.
”It is NOT TRUE: Jose Mourinho was at the Olympiastadion to watch Michael Olise for Real Madrid,” he said during an interview with CF Bayern Insider.
”There was a really big rumour around, as everyone was thinking, ‘What is Mourinho doing there?’
”Indeed, he was not there on his own, nor was he there at the request of Bayern Munich. The Portuguese head coach was invited by VfB Stuttgart."
Barca keen on Gvardiol
Barcelona would like to sign Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to transfer expert Juanma Castano.
The 24-year-old has impressed for Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving in the Premier League from RB Leipzig.
However, he has only made 18 league appearances for the club during the 2025/26 campaign due to injuries, producing two goals and two assists.
Castano says City are keen to cash in on Gvardiol before his contract expires in 2028.
”Barcelona have set their sights on Gvardiol, a Manchester City player,” read the article.
”The English club might be willing to negotiate a transfer to recoup some money for the player before his contract expires.”
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Iraola joins Leverkusen shortlist
Bayer Leverkusen have added Andoni Iraola to their managerial wishlist, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The German giants are currently managed by Kasper Hjulmand, but they have been rumoured to be on the hunt for a replacement after finishing sixth in the Bundesliga this season.
They have also been linked with a move for Oliver Glasner, who is searching for a new role after a successful two-and-a-half years with Crystal Palace.
Plettenberg says that Iraola has other offers on the table, with some sources suggesting he could replace Glasner at Selhurst Park instead.
”Bayer 04 Leverkusen are now in direct negotiations with Andoni Iraola,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
”The club are hoping for a quick commitment, although he also has other offers on the table.
”Iraola was one of the two other concrete candidates Leverkusen had been seriously considering alongside Oliver Glasner.
”Filipe Luis has been 100% off since last night.”
Palhinha set for return to Portugal
Sporting CP would reportedly like to bring Joao Palhinha back to the club when his loan deal with Tottenham Hotspur comes to an end.
Palhinha has spent the season on loan with Spurs from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, helping them secure their Premier League survival with some crucial goals along the way.
Palhinha enjoyed a successful spell with Sporting CP before leaving to join Fulham in 2022.
A Bola say that the midfielder would be willing to take a pay cut to get a deal over the line.
”Palhinha is a dream signing for Sporting, and negotiations are underway for the 30-year-old midfielder to return to Alvalade,” read the article.
”One of the obstacles is the player's salary, but he is willing to lower his wages to the limit, all to be able to play for Sporting again.
”The biggest hurdle now will be convincing Bayern Munich to release the midfielder, who has a contract with the German club valid until June 2028.”
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