Real Madrid are looking for a new central defender as they look to strengthen their defence in the summer transfer window. The Madrid club are keen to bring in a top-class reinforcement, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger set to leave. Ibrahima Konate is one of the names being considered.
Interest in Konate has existed since last summer, although in November it seemed to have ended, when Madrid officially informed the Liverpool defender that they would not continue their efforts to transfer him.
However, the situation has changed in recent weeks, as Real Madrid missed out on signing Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City in January, as well as Dayot Upamecano, who renewed his contract with Bayern Munich.
Nico Schlotterbeck has also been linked with a move, but according to BILD (via Anfield Sector), Konate is Real Madrid's leading candidate for the central defender position. Journalist Matteo Moretto has also stressed that interest from the Bernabéu remains active.
Konate is seen as a more attractive option than Schlotterbeck, as he could be transferred as a free agent, while the Borussia Dortmund defender would demand a significant transfer fee, given that his contract expires in 2027. Furthermore, the Frenchman could be an ideal replacement for a player like Rudiger, whose absence this season could influence the club not to offer him a renewal before his current contract ends in June.
A move to Real Madrid for Konate would make a lot of sense. Although he has had a difficult season with Liverpool, his qualities have been on display on many occasions, especially during the 2024-25 season. The fact that he can be transferred on a free transfer makes him an even more attractive option, although it remains to be seen whether the Madrid side will make a preliminary offer for a contract in the coming weeks.
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