Real Madrid is once again turning its eyes to the Premier League to strengthen its defense, and the next target appears to be Ibrahima Konaté. According to reports from the English press, especially the Daily Mail, the Madrid board is holding internal talks about the possibility of signing the French center-back as a free agent, repeating the same formula they applied in the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu in a similar deal.

Konaté on Madrid’s radar

Konaté’s contract with Liverpool expires in 2026, but the player would be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs starting January 1 of next year. Although the Reds began renewal talks last November, no agreement has been reached yet, leaving the door open to a potential transfer that could be one of the biggest stories of the market.

The situation gained momentum after the defender himself joked on French television about the persistent messages from Kylian Mbappé, who supposedly contacts him “every two hours” to convince him to join Real Madrid. While Anfield insists they haven’t received clear signs that the player wants to leave, uncertainty remains.

In Chamartín, the Frenchman is seen as the perfect partner for Éder Militão in the near future, as well as providing depth to a backline that recently added Dutchman Dean Huijsen, signed from Bournemouth.

Madrid’s plan and Liverpool’s concern

Real Madrid is confident it can replicate the success of the Alexander-Arnold operation, who arrived on a free and successfully strengthened Xabi Alonso’s squad. In this case, the strategy would be to let time work in their favor to convince the center-back that joining a club constantly competing for titles, along with a superior financial package, is the best move for his career.

For their part, Liverpool knows they cannot afford to lose one of their most promising defenders without compensation. Hence their urgency to finalize a contract renewal as soon as possible. If no agreement is reached before January, any foreign club will be able to formally approach the player, and in that scenario, Real Madrid would have the upper hand.

The next transfer window could prove decisive for both institutions. While in England they are working to secure Konaté, in Spain there is growing excitement at the possibility of adding another star to the Merengue project, repeating a move that has already paid off with the English full-back.