Real Madrid is certain that it needs to keep strengthening the center of its defense, with Dean Huijsen having a guaranteed starting spot. The signing of the Spaniard has been just the first step in a desired rejuvenation, but also a complete overhaul of the position. So far, Asencio hasn't fully convinced Xabi Alonso and the club is searching for a center-back in the market.
The situation in Madrid's backline isn't simple. Beyond Huijsen or Asencio, Rüdiger, who is 32 years old and under contract until 2026, Alaba, who will leave in a year, and the injured Militao are also on the roster. Changes are needed and Florentino Pérez already has his next target in mind, aiming to strengthen the position with a top-level star in Europe.
Ibrahima Konaté, the chosen one
Florentino is certain that Ibrahima Konaté must wear Real Madrid's jersey. There is serious interest in the French defender, in a contractually advantageous position for Los Merengues. His contract with Liverpool ends in 2026 and, as of now, negotiations for his renewal are completely stalled.
The journalist from "FootMercato", Santi Aouna, has revealed that Konaté has decided to leave Liverpool next summer. This is the decision the Frenchman has made, choosing to depart as of June 30, 2026, when his contract will expire.
Real Madrid considers him a priority, while Ibrahima Konaté himself also prioritizes the white club. He would be delighted to play at Santiago Bernabéu alongside Dean Huijsen, with whom he would form a dream partnership.
Priority for 2026
Ibrahima Konaté's future seems to be getting closer to Real Madrid. The French center-back, just 26 years old, will see his contract with Liverpool end in June 2026 and is already one of the main future priorities for the sporting management of the white team. His profile fits perfectly with what the Chamartín club is looking for: physical power, tactical intelligence, and experience at the European elite level.
Konaté has established himself at Liverpool as a reliable, fast defender who dominates in the air. In addition, he has a clean ball exit, ideal for teams that want to build from the back, as Xabi Alonso intends to do in his project with Real Madrid. His age, competitive maturity, and growth potential make him a strategic mid-term target.
In Valdebebas, they've been following him for some time and are already studying the possibility of signing him as a free agent in the summer of 2026. Meanwhile, the player is open to a change of scenery to take a new step in his career. The deal is still distant, but if everything goes according to plan, Konaté could be wearing white in just one season.