La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on 23-year-old Liverpool ace Ibrahima Konate over a possible move this year.
According to a report by French outlet Media Foot, Carlo Ancelotti is a keen admirer of Ibrahima Konate. And the Real Madrid manager wants Los Blancos to sign the 23-year-old defender from Liverpool this year.
Ibrahima Konate has been one of the brightest centre-backs since his days in France. But the youngster exploded onto the scene after joining RB Leipzig four and a half years ago. And while fitness issues plagued the Frenchman, he always showed his quality when fit and available before joining Liverpool in July 2021.
The 23-year-old has made gradual progress in the last 18 months, turning out 33 times while chipping in with three goals and one assist. Konate also featured for France in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. And the player’s progress has captured the attention of Real Madrid.
Konate has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a few years. But the Merengues have never pulled the trigger despite monitoring his progress closely. However, amid uncertainties surrounding Nacho’s long-term future, Real Madrid will need to invest in a centre-back. A few reports have also claimed that David Alaba might play more as a left-back this year.
In addition, with the Austrian international on the wrong side of 30, bringing in a young central defender should keep Real Madrid in good stead. Josko Gvardiol has thus emerged on the radar of Real Madrid. But Konate is also a viable target for Los Blancos heading into the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old has a decade of top-level football in him and has overcome his fitness issues. But prising Konate away from Liverpool will be a big task for Real Madrid. While the lure of playing for the Spanish club remains high, Konate is one of the poster boys of Jurgen Klopp’s next Liverpool project.
So pursuing Gvardiol might be the way to go for Real Madrid. Recent reports have also suggested that the reigning La Liga champions have secured an advantage in the race to sign the Croat. But it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can somehow prise Konate from Liverpool.
Madrid hands off Konate
Have they got 200m? He’s one of the best defenders on the planet. And will become the best.