Real Madrid is focused on the current transfer market, but it is also planning for the future. The club does not want to make any more investments this season beyond the left-back, but it is planning operations for next summer with Florentino Pérez’s new favorite formula, applied with Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold: setting its sights on players who are in the final year of their contracts and negotiating with them so that they can arrive without a transfer fee. The Whites are once again looking to Liverpool for center back Ibrahima Konaté.
Konaté’s situation at Liverpool
Ibrahima Konaté began the last year of his contract on July 1 and is a player who is very popular at Real Madrid, who see him as the perfect reinforcement for the center of defense. He is also a very attractive option as he could arrive as a free agent at the end of the season. The Whites are following him very closely as he would be a free transfer, although there would undoubtedly be costs in the form of a signing bonus.
The player’s situation is ideal for Madrid to make a move, especially after it was revealed that he has rejected Liverpool’s first renewal offer, according to The Guardian. Apparently, the French player has been disappointed by the club’s proposal and could be rethinking his future in England.
“Konaté is disappointed with Liverpool’s contract renewal offer and is now stuck in negotiations. Liverpool are starting to fear that he will do the same as Alexander-Arnold and leave for free in 2026,” said the source. The scenario is ideal for the Whites to start taking steps in this direction.
Konaté wants to play for Real Madrid
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Ibrahima Konaté has already made his decision: if he leaves Liverpool, it will only be to sign for Real Madrid. The Frenchman is very clear about his decision: he considers Madrid to be the perfect club to grow his career. He is willing to wait until 2026 to join as a free agent, similar to Trent. His entourage has already informed Real Madrid of his decision.
Real Madrid needs a center back
His arrival is seen as very necessary for the Whites for several reasons. To begin with, Real Madrid fears a repeat of this season’s multiple injuries in that position, such as Eder Militao’s long-term injury, the chronic and constant pain that has lowered Rüdiger’s performance, and Alaba’s complications, who has suffered injury after injury.
In addition, Rüdiger and Alaba’s contracts expire next summer. The departure of both players has been considered this summer. In Rüdiger’s case, there were rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia, but the German never considered leaving Real Madrid. For the moment, neither the player nor the club have made a decision regarding next summer. A decision that will largely depend on his performance. He has returned to play in this World Cup and, although he is performing well, he has not yet returned to the level that made him the king of the Real Madrid defense.
The one who seems more certain to leave Real Madrid is David Alaba. The club has already opened the door for him this summer due to his lack of playing time and the fact that with the arrival of Dean Huijsen and the rise of Asencio, he will be the fifth center back with a salary that is too high for that position. In addition, the player has been suffering from a string of injuries that have prevented him from playing regularly.