Real Madrid decides to pay €25 million to immediately sign Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool
French defender emerges as top priority for Xabi Alonso; Merengues shift strategy to close immediate deal
Real Madrid has decided to accelerate negotiations for Ibrahima Konaté, preparing a €25 million bid to sign the Liverpool defender during the current transfer window. The move marks a change in strategy, as the Spanish giants had initially hoped to secure the Frenchman for free in 2025 when his contract expires.
According to Transfer Feed, manager Xabi Alonso has identified the 25-year-old as a key addition to bolster Madrid’s defense. President Florentino Pérez has now authorized the funds for an immediate deal, despite the player’s contract running down.
Liverpool Reluctant to Let Konaté Go Cheap
Liverpool, however, is not expected to make the negotiation easy. The Premier League side, now under the guidance of Arne Slot, is reportedly demanding €50 million to release the defender a figure double Real Madrid’s initial offer.
The Reds recently lost another star to Madrid and are reluctant to repeat that scenario. Given Konaté’s importance in the squad and the relatively short time left on his contract, the club finds itself at a critical crossroads: either cash in now or risk losing the player for free next summer.
Reds Still Interested in Rodrygo Deal
As part of ongoing tensions between the two clubs, Liverpool remains interested in Rodrygo Goes, who could leave Real Madrid after falling out of favor with Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian forward was used sparingly during the Club World Cup, even as Kylian Mbappé was not fully fit.
Although Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, has also shown interest in Rodrygo, sources suggest that the 23-year-old is prioritizing a move to the Premier League keeping Liverpool’s hopes alive.
The coming days will be decisive, as both clubs weigh the pros and cons of their respective transfer agendas in a market increasingly shaped by contract expiration strategies and elite-level rivalries.
