Real Madrid Eye £44m Move for Liverpool Defender Ibrahima Konaté
Fresh from signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid are now targeting another Liverpool star. According to Spanish reports via Abola, Ibrahima Konaté has become a key defensive priority for Xabi Alonso, who wants to fix defensive flaws exposed in the 4-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final.
Xabi Alonso Demands Defensive Upgrades After PSG Collapse
The loss to Paris Saint-Germain exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with costly errors from veterans Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio. In response, Alonso has urged president Florentino Pérez to bring in a physically dominant and tactically versatile centre-back — and Konaté fits the bill.
Real Madrid Ready to Bid £44 Million
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a £44 million offer for the French international. Konaté, 26, has just one year left on his current Liverpool contract, and with no renewal in sight, the Reds could be forced to cash in this summer.
The Spanish media further claims Konaté is keen on a move to the Bernabéu, having expressed a desire to join Real Madrid after four successful but injury-hit seasons in the Premier League.
Alonso’s Tactical Plan Requires Konaté
Despite the recent €62.5 million signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, Alonso still wants to add another top-level defender to accommodate his three-man defense system.
Konaté’s pace, aerial dominance, and experience at the highest level make him an ideal fit, especially as Real Madrid prepares for a transitional phase in its backline with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Rüdiger and Nacho.
Liverpool Plan for Life After Konaté
Liverpool, aware of Konaté’s potential departure, have reportedly accelerated their interest in Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace. The Reds are preparing a £40 million bid to replace the departing Frenchman, but the Eagles reportedly demand at least £45 million in cash.
What’s Next?
If Liverpool accepts Real Madrid’s £44 million bid and Konaté agrees to personal terms, he will become the second Liverpool player to swap Anfield for the Bernabéu this summer, after Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid aims to finalise the deal before the end of July, allowing Konaté to join their preseason tour and adapt to Alonso’s system before the new La Liga campaign.
