Liverpool set to lose another key player as Konaté edges toward Bernabéu switch
Real Madrid Reach Agreement with Ibrahima Konaté as Liverpool Accept £43M Bid
Real Madrid are on the brink of landing another major signing from Liverpool this summer, having reportedly agreed personal terms with French centre-back Ibrahima Konaté. With just a year left on his contract and no signs of a renewal, the Reds have now accepted a £43 million offer, clearing the path for a high-profile move to the Spanish capital.
Konaté’s Contract Situation Forces Liverpool’s Hand
After seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold depart Anfield for Madrid earlier this summer, Liverpool now look set to part ways with another defensive stalwart. Despite efforts to tie Konaté down to a new deal, the 25-year-old has turned down two contract extension offers from the club, sparking serious interest from top European sides.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid have reached a “comprehensive agreement” with Konaté and are prepared to meet Liverpool’s valuation of €50 million (£43m). The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, marking a significant defensive reinforcement for Los Blancos.
Xabi Alonso Seeks Defensive Reinforcements After Club World Cup Setback
Real Madrid’s interest in Konaté intensified after their disappointing semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. The defeat reportedly prompted manager Xabi Alonso to push for a physically dominant and reliable centre-back, with Konaté emerging as his top target.
The report adds that Konaté has made his desire to join Real Madrid clear, with no other clubs currently under consideration. His profile—a blend of athleticism, tactical intelligence, and top-level experience—fits the criteria Alonso is seeking to solidify Madrid’s backline for the coming season.
Konaté’s Resurgence Under Arne Slot Highlights His Value
Despite an inconsistent spell during the final months under Jurgen Klopp, Konaté returned to form last season, thanks in part to the fresh tactical approach introduced by new manager Arne Slot. As noted by The Athletic’s James Pearce, the Frenchman looked “back to his brilliant best,” benefiting from improved fitness management and renewed confidence.
While Jarell Quansah occasionally displaced him late in the Klopp era, Konaté re-established himself as a key figure under Slot’s system, missing just one game due to injury. Yet, with his contract quietly running down and Liverpool focusing on renewals for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, Konaté’s situation remained largely overlooked—until now.
What This Means for Liverpool
Losing Konaté would deal a significant blow to Liverpool’s defensive depth, especially with new boss Arne Slot seeking to put his stamp on the squad. The Reds are now expected to accelerate their search for a new centre-back, aware that replacing a player of Konaté’s calibre—at just 25—is both difficult and costly.
The upcoming weeks could see Liverpool re-enter the transfer market aggressively, particularly with pre-season preparations already underway.
