Real Madrid just raised the funds to nab much‑needed £60M Liverpool star

Real Madrid have quietly bolstered their transfer budget following the Club World Cup, and with £60 million now within reach, they have set their sights on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, who Madrid value at €60 million, according to MARCA, via Madrid Universal. A shaky season at the back convinced the club they need reinforcements, and the Club World Cup war chest now gives them the room to act.

Defensive collapse forces urgent action

Real Madrid’s defensive frailty was brutally exposed this past season and again during the Club World Cup, where lapses and vulnerability cost them the title push. With the backline leaking goals at crucial moments and the squad stretched by injuries, their defensive structure has been exposed. MARCA confirm a boost of €73 million via prize money, giving Florentino Pérez and Xabi Alonso the financial leverage to target what many see as the best centre‑back available. Konaté is fast, intelligent, calm on the ball, and proven in the Premier League, and he ticks every box Real Madrid now need.

Why Madrid shouldn’t pay full price

There is logic to pushing hard for Konaté now rather than waiting until 2026 when he becomes a free agent. Liverpool understandably value him at €60 million—nearly half of Madrid’s new defensive budget—and that valuation makes sense given his Premier League pedigree. But Madrid could realistically negotiate a discount, especially given the player would enter his final year on existing terms. If Madrid play it smart, they could land a world‑class defender at a real bargain later in the window.

No excuse to wait or hesitate

Real Madrid’s financial health has been the envy of Europe. They have one of the healthiest wage‑to‑revenue ratios in La Liga, and they now have fresh income to address squad weaknesses. Injuries, loss of form and defensive fragility demand action. With Konaté seen as the best centre‑back on the market, missing out would be inexcusable. Madrid cannot afford another season undermined by individual errors or lack of defensive cohesion. If Konaté is their target, the timing—and the money—is right.

Smart strategy or panic buy?

There is risk. Konaté is coming off a season mingling brilliance with occasional lapses himself. Madrid must be sure they can integrate him alongside Militao, Alaba, and Rüdiger without upsetting squad balance or dynamics. But if he strengthens them and delivers consistency, the cost is justified. This is not panic buying, but a smart response to glaring need.

What happens next

Real Madrid have the funds and the justification. The ball is in Liverpool’s court. They must decide if they want to sell for the right price or risk losing Konaté for free in 2026. Meanwhile, Madrid will explore terms and will seek to negotiate down, taking advantage of timing and the player’s contract situation. For Xabi Alonso, the arrival of Konaté could be the defensive anchor needed to transform a fragile backline into a title‑challenging force.