A long-term deal in place

According to Sky Sport, Real Madrid has reportedly sealed the signing of Ibrahima Konaté for the 2026–27 season. The 26-year-old French defender is under contract with Liverpool until 2026 and, if he doesn’t renew, would arrive on a free transfer at the Santiago Bernabéu, following in the footsteps of his teammate Alexander-Arnold, who’s also being linked with Los Blancos on a free move.

The Liverpool situation

The Reds have already tried to extend his contract, but so far, the player’s camp has turned them down. There’s still time to change his mind, but in Madrid, they’re alert and ready to repeat a strategy that has already brought them excellent results.

A defense under renovation

This season, Madrid’s backline is well covered with Rüdiger, young talent Dean Huijsen, and academy product Asencio. Éder Militão is also set to return, though back-to-back injuries to both knees have cast doubt on his long-term fitness. The club remains hopeful, but knows it will take time for the Brazilian to get back to his best.

Meanwhile, David Alaba is set to leave in 2025 when his contract expires. The Austrian, who just turned 33, has endured a series of injuries and hasn’t been able to fully recover. The club no longer counts on him and has already opened the door for his departure.

Fourth free-agent coup

If the deal goes through, Konaté would become the fourth top-tier player to join Real Madrid for free, following Alaba, Rüdiger, and Mbappé. With a market value of €60 million, his arrival would strengthen a defense that the club continues to rebuild without spending on transfer fees—a quiet yet effective strategy by Florentino Pérez, who keeps betting on young, proven talent… without breaking the bank.