Konate is planning to decide his next club before the World Cup begins.
L'Equipe reported that the three clubs are tracking Konate's situation closely, with no formal deal expected to be signed until after the tournament in North America. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that negotiations between Konate and Liverpool are definitively over, with the gap in wage demands proving unbridgeable despite months of talks and the player's own assertion in April that an agreement was close.
Real Madrid have been admirers of Konate for some time and held back from formal contact during the negotiations out of respect for Liverpool. That restraint is now removed. The Spanish club are interested in Konate as a replacement for the departing David Alaba role, and his availability on a free transfer makes the economics straightforward. Bayern Munich had previously explored a move before committing to Dayot Upamecano on a new contract, and are now revisiting the option with renewed interest.
Chelsea's case is less clear-cut. Reports suggest incoming manager Xabi Alonso is not fully convinced by the fit, given questions over Konate's compatibility with the high line Alonso is expected to implement. The Blues are nonetheless expected to register interest as they seek to strengthen a defensive unit that struggled for consistency throughout a season that ended without European football.
Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in May 2021 for £36 million and leaves with a Premier League title, an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups from 183 appearances. His departure follows those of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, making it the most significant summer exodus from the Liverpool backline since the club's transformation under former manager Jürgen Klopp began.
He turns 28 in May. This summer represents his best and perhaps only chance of joining a club of Real Madrid's stature on a free transfer. The decision will be made soon.