Ibrahima Konaté's future has been one of the most talked-about topics in the transfer market. The French center-back, who is under contract with Liverpool until June 2026, still hasn't renewed. This has set off all the alarms at Anfield and fueled rumors about his arrival at Real Madrid.
This summer, however, the desired move hasn't happened. Liverpool has been firm: they won't sell one of its defensive pillars, even if that means risking losing him for free later on. For Jürgen Klopp, Konaté remains an undisputed starter and a leader in the back line.
White plan
At Santiago Bernabéu, the stance is different. There's no urgency, but patience. Real Madrid's idea is clear: wait for the player to finish his contract and sign him as a free agent on June 30, 2026.
Within the white club, everyone agrees that the Frenchman is the ideal candidate to strengthen the defense in the medium term. They see him as the natural replacement for Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, combining youth, strength, and experience at the elite level.
Meanwhile, Konaté seems determined. He's willing to hold out until January to sign a pre-agreement that will link him to what he considers "the best club in the world."
"My first signing"
Amid all this saga, Konaté has surprised with an announcement that has sparked conversation. He has closed a deal with the sports brand Under Armour, describing it as his "first signing" before any move in his football career.
The American company has strongly backed him, seeking to link its image to one of the best defenders in the Premier League. This agreement is beneficial for both parties: Under Armour gains visibility in European soccer and Konaté strengthens his commercial and media profile.
The message is clear: the center-back isn't only thinking about what happens on the field, but also about consolidating his personal brand before making the leap everyone expects.
Between two worlds
In Liverpool, the situation is perceived with resignation. The memory of what happened with other players who ended up leaving for free is very present. Many already assume that the Frenchman will end up wearing white, just as happened in previous cases where Real Madrid's pulling power proved irresistible.
However, nothing has been signed yet. A drop in performance or a change of plans could alter the outcome. For now, at the start of this season, Konaté isn't showing his best form, but in Madrid they trust he will return to his level.
Meanwhile, the center-back lives between two worlds: the present in the Premier League and a future that, if everything goes according to plan, will take him to Santiago Bernabéu.