Real Madrid agrees to pay between €20 and €25 million to sign Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool
Xabi Alonso eyes defensive reinforcements; Konaté could leave Anfield due to failed renewal talks
Real Madrid are preparing a formal offer to sign Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool, with club president Florentino Pérez reportedly willing to spend €20 to €25 million on the French international, according to Rádio Cope.
The 25-year-old center-back is currently unhappy with the renewal terms offered by Liverpool, and his contract impasse has opened the door for a possible exit. However, sources within Liverpool indicate they would only consider selling the defender for around €50 million if no renewal is reached.
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Xabi Alonso Pushes for Defensive Depth
New Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has made defensive stability a priority for the 2025/26 season, especially after last year’s campaign was plagued by injuries to key players such as Éder Militão and David Alaba.
The club has already invested €167.5 million this summer with a particular focus on bolstering the back line. High-profile additions include:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (from Liverpool),
- Dean Huijsen (returning from loan),
- Álvaro Carreras, now the most expensive left-back in club history.
Adding Konaté would strengthen the core even further and provide immediate competition for starting roles alongside Antonio Rüdiger and Huijsen.
Konaté’s Fit in Madrid’s Evolving Backline
Madrid’s defensive lineup is still taking shape. Rüdiger and Huijsen are currently projected starters. Militão is returning from injury, while Alaba remains sidelined indefinitely. Promising defender Raúl Asencio struggled in the Club World Cup, prompting Madrid to reassess its depth.
Konaté with Champions League experience and Premier League pedigree would bring physical presence, pace, and aerial dominance to the Bernabéu. He’s also well-suited to Alonso’s high pressing, ball-playing defensive system.
Liverpool Unwilling to Sell Cheap
Despite interest from Madrid, Liverpool are holding firm. The Reds value Konaté at €50 million and are reluctant to let him go without a significant return, especially as they continue their own squad rebuild under Arne Slot.
Konaté joined Liverpool in 2021 for around €40 million and has grown into a reliable presence when fit. However, his struggle to stay injury-free and now his contractual issues may change the equation.
