Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence that they can secure Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer. The Frenchman, out of contract at Anfield in 2026, is said to be the subject of internal discussions among Los Blancos staff, who believe they are close to reaching a verbal agreement with the 26-year-old centre-back.
Real Madrid confident of signing Konate on free transferLiverpool still in contract talks but no agreement in placeDefender can speak to overseas clubs from January 1Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the , Real Madrid believe Konate could follow a similar path to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was strongly linked with Los Blancos for years before joining as a free agent. The same sources who broke news of Alexander-Arnold's move to the Santiago Bernabeu last year now claim senior Los Blancos officials have even 'openly discussed' securing the Frenchman. Liverpool, meanwhile, remain in contract talks, but no deal has yet been struck.
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The situation has intensified after Konate appeared on French TV, joking about Kylian Mbappe 'calling every two hours' to tempt him to make the switch to Real Madrid. While Liverpool insist they have had no communication suggesting the defender wants to leave, uncertainty lingers. Any foreign club can formally approach Konate from January 1, further raising speculation.
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Konate’s current contract expires in the summer of 2026, and Liverpool opened renewal talks last November. However, no progress has been made, and Madrid are said to be watching closely. The 15-time European champions are said to view the defender as a long-term partner for Eder Militao, with depth increasingly key to their squad planning. They also signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer.
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Liverpool will push to secure Konate’s future before the January window to avoid losing leverage. Real Madrid, however, are confident they can lure him with the promise of silverware and a lucrative contract. For now, the defender remains undecided, but the coming months could prove decisive for both his career and Liverpool’s defensive plans.