Real Madrid may be preparing to raid Liverpool again, this time with eyes on Ibrahima Konate.
Reports in Spain (via Daily Mail) claim the Spanish giants believe they can repeat the Trent Alexander-Arnold strategy by waiting for the defender’s contract to run down.
Konate’s current deal with Liverpool runs until 2026, but talks on an extension have stalled since opening last year.
Madrid insiders are said to feel confident they can tempt him with a free transfer deal, especially after his light-hearted comments on French TV about Kylian Mbappe “calling me every two hours” to convince him.
Liverpool maintain they have had no signals from the 26-year-old that he wants to leave. Still, with January approaching — when foreign clubs can open official talks — the situation looks delicate.
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Could Real Madrid repeat Trent strategy to sign Konate?
Real Madrid secured Trent Alexander-Arnold in similar fashion and believe Konate could follow that route. According to reports, senior staff at the Bernabeu have openly discussed being close to a verbal agreement.
Liverpool are determined not to lose another key player for free.
The Reds see Konate as a central piece of their defense for years to come, but Madrid are offering what players often find hard to ignore: trophies and a lucrative deal in Spain.
Konate has spoken of his happiness at Anfield in recent months, saying: “To win a trophy was just amazing. And today, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here.”
Yet his comments also left the door slightly open, adding: “This is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen.”
The clock is ticking
With Eder Militao set as a long-term partner and depth a priority for Madrid, the push for Konate looks serious.
For Liverpool, the next few months could decide whether they keep one of their defensive cornerstones or watch him follow the same path as Trent.
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