Real Madrid have disgustingly low offer planned for Ibrahima Konaté

Real Madrid are circling Ibrahima Konaté, and they’ve been doing so for a while—quietly, cautiously, but with growing urgency. According to Fernando S. Tavero of Diario AS, the French defender is now at the top of Madrid’s defensive shortlist, a priority name amid a crumbling backline that just got humiliated by PSG. Behind the scenes, Madrid know the truth: their renovation at the back is far from over.

Even with five center backs currently on the roster, Real’s depth is paper-thin. Antonio Rüdiger, now 32, is physically declining, and his knees are a long-term worry. Eder Militão, arguably the best of the bunch, is coming off two ACL tears, and while his resilience has impressed, Madrid know the risk. David Alaba is expected to leave in 2026, if not earlier, and Raúl Asencio remains undisciplined and unreliable, as PSG ruthlessly exposed.

Konaté would be an instant upgrade in Madrid’s back line

That’s where Ibrahima Konaté enters the frame—and not as a rotational piece, but as a potential starter. At 26 years old, the Liverpool star is in his athletic prime. He’s also a perfect stylistic fit for Xabi Alonso’s Madrid: aggressive in duels, dominant in the air, and quick enough to play on the front foot. And above all, he’s attainable.

Konaté’s contract expires in 2026, and he has no intention of renewing, per both English outlets and AS. Much like Liverpool legend Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is also eyeing a free transfer, Konaté has made it clear he only wants Madrid. The Spanish giants have the upper hand, and Liverpool know it.

Real Madrid plan to lowball Liverpool for a world-class defender

Madrid’s preferred timeline is 2026, to sign him on a free transfer, repeating the trick they pulled with David Alaba and Rüdiger. But if the Reds receive a bid this summer, they may be forced to cash in. Liverpool are setting the bar at €50-60 million, per Transfermarkt valuations, but Madrid have no plans to pay anywhere near that amount. Their ideal number? Somewhere in the €20-25 million range.

There’s precedent here—Madrid don’t spend big on players they can get for free. But they may have to make an exception for Konaté, especially if Alaba is sold or another surprise departure happens. Xabi Alonso already hinted at defensive upgrades, admitting post-PSG that there is “room for improvement.” Everyone at the club knows central defense was the position that let them down most.

Liverpool under pressure to sell before losing Konaté for nothing

For Liverpool, the situation is delicate. Losing Konaté would mean gifting Real Madrid a world-class defender in his prime—one who would instantly become the best center back at the Bernabéu. But letting him walk for free in 2026 is an even worse scenario. Their only play now is to find a buyer before it’s too late.

And here’s the twist: if Madrid try to wait out the contract again, as they did with Rüdiger and Alaba, Liverpool could flip the script and go after one of Madrid’s own summer targets—or even hijack Arsenal’s transfer strategy. After all, the Reds need to rebuild on the fly too, and replacing Konaté will not come cheap.