Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence that they can secure Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer. The Frenchman, out of contract at Anfield in 2026, is said to be the subject of internal discussions among Los Blancos staff, who believe they are close to reaching a verbal agreement with the 26-year-old centre-back.
Ibrahima Konate has jokingly claimed that Kylian Mbappe calls him frequently to convince him to follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps and join Real Madrid next summer. Konate, who has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool, has been linked with a move to Los Blancos as he has yet to negotiate a new deal with the Premier League champions.
In the age of PSR and UEFA's financial regulations, the free agent market has probably never been more significant as clubs look to pick up a potentially key player without having to spend a penny. We're now into June, and there are a whole host of big names who will be out of contract at the end of the month - undoubtedly sparking a scramble for their signatures in the coming weeks.
Arne Slot provided updates on Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate after he substituted the Liverpool duo late in the Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Dominik Szoboszlai's world-class free-kick in the 83rd minute gave Liverpool a 1-0 win to maintain their 100% start to the season.
Former Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins has advised Liverpool to sign Marc Guehi from the Eagles as he considers his former team-mate as an upgrade over Ibrahima Konate. The Premier League champions have been linked with a move for the England international all through the summer and even saw two offers rejected by Palace.
Real Madrid have reportedly sent shockwaves through Anfield after opening direct lines with Ibrahima Konate over a blockbuster move to the Bernabeu. The 26-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s most dependable centre-backs at Merseyside, but his future now hangs in the balance. Madrid’s interest comes at a critical moment as his contract with the Reds runs out at the end of this season, leaving the club at risk of losing him for nothing.
Real Madrid are not reportedly giving up on William Saliba as Los Blancos prepare a delegation to negotiate with Arsenal for the French defender. Xabi Alonso's focus has shifted as concerns grow over their current defensive depth, following a troubling display against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey during the Club World Cup.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has reportedly rejected a lucrative proposal from the Saudi Pro League, reaffirming his intention to continue his career in European football. The 26-year-old centre-back remains focused on playing at the highest level, which he believes is only possible by staying in Europe as he wants to compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League.
Ibrahima Konate, into the final year of his contract, has already told Liverpool that he is open to a departure this summer, so long as Real Madrid sign him.
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