Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are used to competing every summer for the world's top soccer stars. This time, history repeats itself, with both clubs interested in the same player. However, there's something different now: Barça has fully entered the race for a footballer who was considered almost signed at Santiago Bernabéu.
Laporta prepares a bomb
In recent hours, "Caught Offside" has revealed that Barça has identified Ibrahima Konaté as a target for next season. In Madrid they take it for granted that he will end up playing at Santiago Bernabéu and even talk about an agreement that, as of today, would violate FIFA's rules.
Konaté's contract with Liverpool ends in 2026, making him free to choose a team next season. In any case, he can't negotiate with anyone or seal his future before January 1. If he does so with any club, it could only be with the Anfield club, which so far hasn't shown any signs of wanting to let him go.
Joan Laporta is ready to take action, intending to bring Ibrahima Konaté in for 0 euros and snatch him from Real Madrid. While in Spain's capital they want him to share the center of defense with Huijsen, at Barça the plan is to pair him with Cubarsí.
Ibrahima Konaté, future in dispute
Ibrahima Konaté is one of the most sought-after defenders in European soccer. The center-back, a key piece at Liverpool, finishes his contract on June 30, 2026, which opens up a scenario of uncertainty about his future. Starting January 1 of that year, the player will be free to negotiate with any club and sign a pre-contract, a situation that's already generating great interest among several European giants.
Liverpool doesn't want to lose Konaté and has a contract renewal proposal on the table. The English club considers him essential in its defense and aims to secure him to prevent his departure on a free transfer. However, negotiations won't be easy, since the defender wants to consider all his options.
Among the offers, some big names stand out. FC Barcelona sees him as a top-level addition to partner Pau Cubarsí in the center of defense, while Real Madrid considers him an interesting profile to strengthen its defense in the medium term. Meanwhile, Chelsea is looking for a reliable center-back and Konaté fits perfectly into the project they're building at Stamford Bridge.
The French international will have to make a key decision for his career. He can renew and remain a leader at Liverpool, or make the leap to another major European club. The only clear thing is that, as January approaches, his name will be one of the most talked about in the market.