Real Madrid eye Ibrahima Konate swoop, mirroring Trent and Alaba deals

Ibrahima Konate (Paris, born May 25, 1999) has established himself at Liverpool as one of the finest centre-backs in world football. A guaranteed starter alongside Van Dijk, a Premier League champion, and a regular for France. As Real Madrid undergo a period of regeneration, his name has been linked with them in recent months as they monitor his situation.

'Marca' reports this Tuesday that the defender is a long-term target for the Real Madrid hierarchy. The club's intention is for the Frenchman to follow the same path as David Alaba once did, or his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer: biding his time to arrive as a free agent.

Konate's contract expires on June 30, 2026, meaning he enters the final year of his deal with Liverpool this season and will be free to sign with any club from January 1. Naturally, the Reds will do everything possible to keep him, but the situation is unlikely to be resolved imminently.

Over the past few months, Liverpool have held talks with the defender's representatives regarding a renewal, but he has already turned down two offers, causing some concern at Anfield. Real Madrid have reportedly contacted Konate's camp to sound him out and he seems open to the prospect of playing for the 'Los Blancos' if the opportunity arises.

Faced with this situation, the Reds might even consider selling the player this summer if they are certain he will not renew. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are playing the long game and keeping their distance. After Alphonso Davies' final rejection, the 'Merengues' are wary of getting burned. They want a firm commitment, like the one Arnold showed. But only time will tell.