Dec 14, 2022; Al Khor, Qatar; France defender Ibrahima Konate (24) celebrates after winning a semifinal match against Morocco during the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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Real Madrid Growing Confident in Konate Deal As Liverpool Face Another Free Exit

Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence that they can secure the signing of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer in the summer of 2026. The Spanish giants already lured Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield earlier this year after the full-back chose not to renew his contract at Liverpool.

Trent ultimately moved to Madrid for a minimal fee to feature in the Club World Cup. Liverpool’s hierarchy had been frustrated at losing one of their biggest assets without a substantial transfer fees. The Reds now face the risk of a repeat scenario with Ibrahima Konate.

Ibrahima Konate Agrees Preliminary Agreement With Real Madrid

According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have identified Ibrahima Konate as one of their top defensive targets, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is close. Notably, the French centre-back’s contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. Konate has already turned down three renewal offers from Liverpool. Spanish outlet Fichajes goes further, claiming Konate has a preliminary agreement in place with Madrid that could run until 2031.

🚨 Ibrahima Konaté has turned down several contract offers from Liverpool and a hefty salary from the Saudi Pro League to push forward with his desire to join Real Madrid.

He is thought to be on the cusp of signing a contract until 2031 with Los Blancos.

(Source: @NicoSchira) pic.twitter.com/Y7IsVV8Nqf
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 12, 2025

Also Read: Aymeric Laporte Cleared for Athletic Bilbao Return After Deadline Day

Real Madrid’s planning is driven by an impending defensive reshuffle. David Alaba is expected to leave when his deal expires next summer, while Antonio Rudiger’s future also remains uncertain. As a result, Los Blancos see Ibrahima Konate as a potential long-term center-back at the heart of Xabi Alonso’s defence.

The move would fit Real Madrid’s recent transfer strategy of capitalising on free agents. In the past five years, they have signed David Alaba (2021), Antonio Rudiger (2022), Kylian Mbappe (2024) and most recently Alexander-Arnold in 2025, all without transfer fees.

Also Read: Antonio Rudiger Injury Update: Which Games Will the Real Madrid Star Miss?

Liverpool, meanwhile, remain determined to change Konate’s mind and tie him to a new deal. The Reds signed the 26-year-old from RB Leipzig in 2021. The Frenchman has been a consistent starter and one of the Reds’ most reliable defenders. But unless an agreement is reached soon, the Premier League champions could once again watch a prized asset walk out of Anfield without a transfer fee.

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.