Real Madrid has a clear objective in the summer market: to strengthen the center-back position.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will arrive at Bernabéu. It is confirmed, and the course of the agreement will not change, but along with him, Real Madrid wants to bring in a teammate of his from Liverpool.
Liverpool Wants Rodrygo
Liverpool listens and prepares a response by demanding a Real Madrid player who is very much liked at Anfield. It is Rodrygo.
Rodrygo is considered non-transferable at Real Madrid. But he is the bargaining chip that the English club demands in exchange for loaning Real Madrid their center-back Ibrahima Konaté.
Konaté is Juni Calafat's favorite, the person responsible for signings at Real Madrid, to strengthen the center-back position in Real Madrid's defense.
But his contract ends in 2026, and he is not cheap, because Liverpool is not a selling club. Real Madrid has already experienced this with their refusal to negotiate Alexander-Arnold's departure.
The problem for Real Madrid is that, unlike what happened with Alexander-Arnold, they can't wait a year for Konaté to become a free agent to approach his signing. Negotiations will be necessary, and there appears the name of Rodrygo, who has also received an offer from Manchester City.
Liverpool Paid 42M for Him
Real Madrid will try to negotiate an affordable price considering that twelve months later, Konaté could leave on a free transfer. But the experience with Arnold indicates that the Reds are very capable of enjoying the player next year even at the cost of losing him for nothing.
Konaté, 25 years old, has become one of the great revelations of the Premier League, which he is on the way to winning with Liverpool.
Konaté is in his fourth year at Liverpool after his four seasons at German Leipzig. In May 2021, Liverpool paid 42M for him, so it is understandable that they do not wish to part with him lightly.
Real Madrid's Plans with Rodrygo: He Is Not Non-Transferable
In Real Madrid's plans, there is no intention to part with Rodrygo Goes. However, it is also true that his departure could serve to open the door to players like Brahim, Arda Güler, or Endrick.
The younger generations feel blocked with the three attack positions taken. It would be a historic opportunity to showcase their game.
If Rodrygo were to be included in the operation, Real Madrid would ask for money in addition to the exchange. Rodrygo is 24 years old, guarantees goals, and has a contract in force until 2028.
Real Madrid's objective is to sign Konaté by paying a reasonable amount and to keep the Brazilian international out of the operation.
Before addressing the operation, it would be necessary to see what happens with Vinícius and his Arab offer. If Vinícius were to go to Arabia, Rodrygo would be non-transferable.