Liverpool’s Konaté wants to play for Real Madrid alongside Vinicius Jr, says journalist
French defender Ibrahima Konaté could be heading to Real Madrid in the summer of 2026, according to journalist Santi Aouna. The Liverpool center-back has reportedly turned down a contract renewal and now favors a move to La Liga, where he hopes to play alongside Vinicius Júnior.
Konaté Rejects Renewal, Madrid Move Gains Momentum
Konaté, 25, has entered a critical stage in his contract negotiations with Liverpool. The player reportedly rejected the club’s latest renewal offer, alerting top European sides of his potential availability. According to Aouna, Konaté’s agent has already offered his services to both PSG and Real Madrid, but the defender prefers a move to Spain.
With Konaté’s deal set to expire in June 2026, Liverpool could face pressure to sell him in 2025 if no agreement is reached soon risking a free transfer one year later.
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Real Madrid See Konaté as Rudiger Successor
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to be interested in signing Konaté, particularly as a potential successor to Antonio Rüdiger, whose contract also expires in 2026. The Spanish giants reportedly view Konaté as a younger, equally physical alternative to the German veteran, making him a long-term solution in defense.
Madrid has also reportedly placed William Saliba on their radar, but Konaté’s contract situation places him ahead in the pecking order.
Strong Ties Between Clubs Could Smooth Transfer
Relations between Real Madrid and Liverpool remain strong, particularly following the recent transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the Spanish side before their Club World Cup campaign.
Given the shared respect and ongoing discussions between the two clubs, a 2026 move is considered realistic, though a transfer as early as 2025 cannot be ruled out if contract negotiations with Liverpool continue to stall.
PSG Also Interested — But Player Prefers Madrid
Konaté’s agent reportedly held talks with Paris Saint-Germain as well, but the defender prefers Real Madrid for sporting and personal reasons. The opportunity to compete in La Liga and play alongside Vinicius Jr. is believed to be a major motivating factor.
Real Madrid’s Summer Strategy
Konaté is one of several names on Xabi Alonso’s shortlist as Real Madrid reshapes its squad. Other reported targets include Nicolò Barella of Inter Milan and Piero Hincapié of Bayer Leverkusen both also reportedly requested by Alonso.
Madrid’s defensive core is expected to evolve over the next season, with Pérez planning for youthful reinforcements to extend the club’s current dominance in Spain and Europe.
