Real Madrid is well aware that it has a major problem in defense and is not ruling out turning to the transfer market. The club’s biggest target for this position is Ibrahima Konaté, who has made it very clear that he wants to play at the Santiago Bernabéu, and an agreement has been reached for him to join on a free transfer next summer, although the possibility of bringing the signing forward has not been ruled out. The problem is that Liverpool are not giving up on the player and have reportedly made him a new contract offer while boasting about him on social media. Furthermore, if the player remains determined to leave for Real Madrid, they are not ruling out a sale, but not at any price.
Real Madrid and a chaotic defense
Real Madrid’s defense has not been characterized this season by defensive solidity or continuity. Constant injuries and poor performances have meant that there has been no center-back pairing that has shown consistency and longevity. Carlo Ancelotti was forced to use twelve different center-back pairings last season. The three he used most frequently were: Rüdiger – Asencio (16 times), Rüdiger – Militão (14 times) and Rüdiger – Tchouaméni (12 times).
Now is the time for Xabi Alonso to make a decision. It seems clear that Dean Huijsen has earned his place after his great Club World Cup, proving that he was a great signing for the Whites in the transfer market. There are more doubts about who will accompany him in the center of defense. Everything points to Eder Militao, but we will have to see how he is after months out with injury. Rüdiger was his teammate at the World Cup and was not 100% on his return from injury. Asencio lost ground after a disastrous World Cup and Alaba is nowhere to be seen.
Progress on Konaté
With this scenario, a move in the transfer market cannot be ruled out, with Ibrahima Konaté the clear favorite. Real Madrid are very keen on the player and are moving forward to sign him using the Tren formula, i.e., he would arrive for free next summer when his contract with Liverpool expires. However, given the situation and with Liverpool open to selling if they cannot keep the player, a move for him in this transfer window cannot be ruled out, with an offer likely to be made in the coming weeks.
The English club is clear that it will not give him away for free, and to date there has been talk that Florentino would be willing to put €20-25 million on the table to bring him in this summer. However, the Reds would want at least €50 million for the deal.
Liverpool are not giving up
In addition to demanding a substantial transfer fee, Liverpool are not giving up on their attempt to retain a player they have boasted about on social media with a video. The club has reportedly presented the center back with a new contract offer to prevent him from leaving for Real Madrid. This is according to Foot Mercato, which explains that the English team does not want a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation. Konaté has not yet responded to the offer, but the center back seems quite convinced to make a change and join his former teammate Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid’s defense.