Real Madrid have reportedly enquired about Ibrahim Konate’s availability in the summer, with Liverpool demanding at least €60 million.
According to Edu Aguirre on El Chiringuito, Real Madrid have enquired about the possibility of signing Ibrahima Konate, with Liverpool demanding at least €60 million. The French defender will enter the final year of his deal, with the report stating the demands are part of a clause in his contract, as the Spanish giants are likely to explore further.
Real Madrid have had defensive problems this season largely due to the many injuries some of their key stars at the back suffered. Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to promote Raul Acensio, who has done a tremendous job so far, and using Aurelien Tchouameni as a central defender. While their problems have eased with the returns of Antonio Rudiger and David Alabal, the Spanish giants are eager to add another defender.
They have a lot of names on their list, although the likes of William Saliba are considered unreachable at this moment. Hence, they could potentially target those who are achievable in the summer, with Ibrahima Konate’s name standing out in that regard.
Konate is set to enter the final year of his deal, with Liverpool reportedly demanding at least €60 million. The figure, as per Edu Aguirre represents a release clause in his contract, something that has not been public knowledge up until now.
Liverpool are hoping to agree on a new deal, although with Real Madrid’s enquiry, there are chances the French defender could choose to leave for a new challenge. Should an exit for the Frenchman materialise, it would only compound the problems at the club with fellow defensive partners Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold along with Mohamed Salah also on the verge of a departure.
On the Real Madrid interest, this is what Aguirre told El Chiringuito, “Madrid have asked about two players, they’ve tested two players”.
“They are two centre-backs, one is from Liverpool and is French, and that it is Konate. The second is in the Spanish team and he is Huijsen. They like them a lot and they tell me they have asked about those two.
“Especially Konate, although the truth is that he may be a signing who ends up arriving in 2026. He has a clause in his contract worth €60m. Therefore, if Liverpool wants to negotiate it would have to be this year. But Liverpool are initially saying €60m or nothing.”
Will Real Madrid sign Ibrahima Konate?
There’s a big chance for Konate to depart, although Real Madrid could face competition with PSG also interested in the centre-back. While Liverpool might be eager to keep hold of the 25-year-old, they may find it difficult especially with Real Madrid knocking on the door.
Liverpool have reportedly begun searching for a replacement, with one of those players being Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has a £50 million release clause in his contract. Only time will tell whether Konate has any interest in staying at Liverpool beyond the current season, or if Real Madrid can steal one of the top centre-backs, probably even for a reduced price than the €60 million quoted in the report.
