Real Madrid planning 2026 swoop for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate as Spanish giants eye second defensive free transfer with Trent Alexander-Arnold in their sights this summer

According to a report from Daily Mail's Liverpool Confidential, Real Madrid are targeting Liverpool centre-back Konate for a high-profile transfer in the summer of 2026. The French defender is said to be on the club's radar, with the potential to follow in the footsteps of club teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid after running down his contract and joining on a free transfer this summer.

Konate's contract with the Reds is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, and although the player's entourage entered talks with the club over an extension, there hasn't been any development yet. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is believed to be a huge admirer of the French centre-back, with Los Blancos ready to wait until next summer to sign him as a free agent.

Madrid are not the only club monitoring Konate's situation at Anfield. Last month, it was reported that PSG were interested in acquiring the services of Konate, with the France international enticed by the prospect of playing in the city he was born in.

Konate was involved in a highly critical moment during Liverpool's first-leg clash against PSG in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday evening. The 25-year-old avoided a sending-off in the first half after making contact with PSG's Bradley Barcola. Konate will next be seen in action on Saturday, March 8, when the Reds welcome Southampton at Anfield for a Premier League encounter.