Duolingo sparks rumors of Real Madrid’s raid on Liverpool star

Last Updated on 2 October 2025

Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at Anfield in the summer of 2026, and with no renewal in sight, speculation is mounting that Real Madrid could swoop, just as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The French defender’s standoff with Liverpool continues over new terms after a poor start to the season by the 26-year-old.

Ibrahima Konate has made a shaky start to the 2025/26 campaign, with Liverpool losing back-to-back games.

Duolingo sends ‘FT’ in a frenzy with massive claim on Ibrahima Konate’s future

Amidst the mounting speculation regarding Konate’s future, an unlikely X account joined in.

The official Duolingo account posted a light-hearted reference to the centre-back’s activity on the language app.

It’s a playful reference, one which very well could be true. In fact, it’s very much in line with a TV interview that Konate gave on international duty, last month.

The reporter asked the centerback if he was learning Spanish, in light of interest from Real Madrid and let’s just say that smile from Konate was worth a million words.

This comes after fresh optimism from Liverpool on tying the 26-year-old down to a new contract, as reported by L’Equipe on Tuesday night.

Can Ibrahima Konate help turn things around for Liverpool?

Despite making a winning start to proceedings in all competitions, Liverpool have lost back-to-back games to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.

However, a closer look at earlier results also gives an insight to the Reds’ poor start to the 2025/26 season. Most of their wins were not convincing enough and now the results are also not enough to mask the lacklustre performances.

Ibrahima Konate endured a tough evening at Selhurst Park in Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat of the new campaign. But if Liverpool are to defend their crown, they would need the Frenchman back at his best.

Last season, Konate made up Liverpool’s elite centerback partnership, which was good enough in helping them win their record-equalling 20th title.

And, as far as Arne Slot is concerned, with all the changes he’s had to contend with, he will need the 26-year-old to get back to that level, if Liverpool are going to win any major silverware this season.