Saudi Club Al-Ittihad Joins Real Madrid in Pursuit of Liverpool Star

Al-Ittihad Football Club from Saudi Arabia has become one of the contenders in the race to sign a prominent Liverpool player during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The club is aiming to rebuild a strong squad after failing to retain the Saudi league title, which was claimed by Al-Nassr, and losing the King Cup semifinal to Al-Kholood on penalties. Additionally, Al-Ittihad exited the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals after a 1-0 defeat to Japan's Machida Zelvia.

Following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool, defender Ibrahima Konaté has decided not to renew his stay at Anfield, preparing to leave after five seasons with the Reds.

According to the network "Foot Mercato," this decision has attracted interest from several clubs, including Al-Ittihad, which has shown significant enthusiasm for the French defender.

Konaté joined Liverpool in 2021 from Leipzig for a transfer fee of 40 million euros. The French international, who has earned 27 caps for his country, played 183 matches for Liverpool, winning the English Premier League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, and reaching the UEFA Champions League final.

Despite Liverpool's repeated attempts to extend his contract, the 27-year-old defender opted not to renew his deal, which expires on June 30.

Konaté's name has long been linked with Real Madrid, and he has also been mentioned in connection with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, providing him with several prestigious options for the next phase of his career.

The French outlet confirmed that Al-Ittihad "has entered strongly" into the competition to sign Konaté.

It added, "The Saudi club highly values the French player's abilities and is closely monitoring his contractual situation, aware of the rare opportunity presented by a player of his caliber being available on a free transfer."

However, the process is challenging for the Jeddah-based club due to the current instability caused by the imminent departure of coach Conceição and uncertainty over the identity of the new manager.

Al-Ittihad understands that presenting a comprehensive project to Konaté will not be easy, yet the club remains determined to make a significant impact in the transfer market, with the French defender as a primary target to strengthen their defense.

The report concluded, "It remains to be seen whether Al-Ittihad's management can clarify their position quickly enough to convince the player to wear their jersey, especially since he has ample time to consider and compare the offers presented to him."