Ibrahima Konaté is experiencing a key moment in his career. The French center-back for Liverpool is in the final season of his contract. Although the English club has tried to renew his deal, the reality is that everything indicates his departure will be inevitable.
Real Madrid has set its sights on Ibrahima Konaté. His young, solid profile with experience in elite competitions fits perfectly with the defensive strategy of the club.
Although he could arrive for free next summer, Madrid could try to reach an early agreement if Liverpool is willing. The possibility of signing him at no cost is an attractive option that's hard to ignore for a team looking to strengthen its defense without compromising its budget.
Preparing the replacement at Liverpool
Liverpool doesn't want to wait for Konaté to leave to secure its defense. That's why it has already completed the signing of Giovanni Leoni, a young Italian center-back from Parma for £26 million. Leoni stands out for his height, maturity on the field, and future potential, and the club trusts he can adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
Additionally, Liverpool is keeping negotiations with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi, the English captain who is 25 years old. Although Guehi is under contract until 2026, his club could accept a sale this summer to avoid losing him for free in the future. With these decisions, Liverpool aims to ensure a balance between youth and experience at the heart of its defense.
Why Real Madrid is interested
Konaté is a desired player. His ability to combine strength, speed, and defensive awareness makes him an ideal addition for Real Madrid. The experience he has gained in the Premier League and the Champions League gives him an extra level of maturity that few young center-backs can offer.
Madrid values the possibility of signing him for free next summer, which would allow the club to invest in other positions. Even so, an early offer of around €25 million ($27 million) isn't ruled out if Liverpool shows willingness to sell. In any case, the player is shaping up to be a key piece for the defensive plans of the club in the coming seasons.
Implications for Liverpool
The possible departure of Konaté forces Liverpool to act in advance. The arrival of Leoni and the negotiations for Guehi show that the club is preparing for an orderly transition in defense. The goal is to keep a competitive level both in the Premier League and the Champions League, without depending on a single player.