Arne Slot’s Liverpool have suffered a massive blow as Ibrahima Konate could end up joining Real Madrid this summer.
Ibrahima Konate’s future has become a big talking point as he has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield. Real Madrid are the ones who are very keen on signing him, but they are plotting a Bosman move for next summer.
However, according to AS via Sport Witness, Konate could end up joining Los Blancos this summer. The player does not seem interested in penning a new deal at Anfield; as a result, the Reds are ready to cash in on him by demanding €50 million in the ongoing transfer window. However, Real Madrid are hesitant to pay more than €20-25 million for his signature.
After making a name for himself at RB Leipzig, Ibrahima Konate joined the Merseyside club in the summer of 2021. The Frenchman has only gone from strength to strength over the years, and he has established himself as a key figure in the team.
The 26-year-old centre-back was ever present in Arne Slot’s XI as they ended up winning the Premier League. While Slot certainly has him in his plans for next season, things have gotten complicated because of his contract situation.
The Frenchman’s current deal runs out next summer, and the Reds were working on a potential renewal. However, Ibrahima Konate does not seem interested in extending his stay at the Merseyside club, and they are well aware of this. As a result, Liverpool have now decided to cash in on him for €50 million.
The Reds have no intentions of losing out on him for free, having lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid this summer. The report suggests Konate has become a real option for the Spanish giants to further strengthen their backline this summer.
Real Madrid could sign Konate now
Ideally, Real Madrid were looking for a free transfer next summer, and it would have certainly been a great fit as David Alaba’s contract would have run out, and Antonio Rudiger’s time at the club could have also come to an end.
However, Los Blancos could still look to add him to their squad this summer despite having signed Dean Huijsen, as there are still concerns about Eder Militao’s fitness, after he has suffered two massive knee injuries in the last two seasons.
The Spanish giants are internationally considering signing another centre-back, and Konate is their main target. The French international also has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid, which certainly helps their cause.
While Liverpool are ready to sell him now and Real Madrid could make a move, there is a massive difference in valuation. The Reds value him at €50 million, while Los Blancos will not fork out more than €20-25 million for someone who could be available for free next summer.