00:00As the new season looms, Liverpool find themselves at the centre of a high-stage transfer drama.
00:09Ibrahim Kanate is entering the final year of his contract and the spectre of Trent Alexander-Arnold's free transfer to Real Madrid is looming large.
00:18This time, Klopp's successors are determined not to repeat history.
00:22Real Madrid have aggressively pursued the French centre-back, reportedly ready to submit an underscored effort to sign him, well below Liverpool's valuation of £50m.
00:36Liverpool insiders insist no price is too high and have reiterated that Kanate is not for sale this summer, even if an offer materialises.
00:44They're backing on securing a new deal, though contract negotiations have stagnated, with Kanate turning down the club's opening offer due to salary disagreements.
00:55Reports suggest Kanate has privately told Real he plans on leaving on a free transfer next year, much like Trent did in 2025.
01:05Liverpool are bracing for that scenario. While they prefer to keep him, the alternative could see Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich enter the race.
01:12Liverpool still hope that Kanate's desire is to stay.
01:17He has repeatedly stated his happiness on Merseyside, an ambition to become a long-term leader.
01:24Talks remain ongoing and journalists Paul Gourst and Fabrizio Romano both say the club is confident the situation remains resolvable, just with a tighter timeline.
01:34Kanate played a career-high 31 Premier League games last season, a sign of both his value and improved fitness.
01:43Anfield now faces a difficult choice sell this summer for high figures or risk losing him for nothing in 2026.
01:51Another fortress to build strong contracts or the same uncertainty that cost another prized defender.
01:56So, as the window nears its close, the tension builds.
02:01Liverpool are standing firm while Madrid wait in lie and Kanates will hold the final card.
02:08Will they prevail and keep the Frenchmen to hopefully defend their Premier League crown?
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