Real Madrid are preparing for another summer of change and their latest target comes directly from Anfield.
According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, the 15-time European champions believe Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will be wearing white in the 2026/2027 season.
The French centre-back is locked in a contract standoff with his club and according to reports Madrid believe a free transfer for the Reds' star is within their reach.
Konate’s current deal expires on June 30, 2026, and talks over a renewal have failed to produce an agreement.
Liverpool opened negotiations last November but the 26-year-old has so far rejected the proposals on the table.
According to Steele, The situation mirrors that of Trent Alexander-Arnold last year when Madrid’s pressure forced Liverpool into a difficult position regarding one of their most valuable players.
Real Madrid are preparing for life without Alaba and Rudiger
The Spanish giants are already reportedly considering the departures of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, whose contracts run out this season and Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, has become one of the prime names on that shortlist.
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Reportedly, Any foreign club can officially approach Konate from January 1 once he enters the final six months of his contract.
Despite Madrid’s optimism, according to reports, Konate has not yet communicated a desire to leave Liverpool and has not made a firm decision about his future.
However, there are reports that Real Madrid are preparing to hold talks with the French defender over a potential Bosman move in 2026.
Liverpool, for their part, are determined to keep him at Anfield and have not abandoned efforts to extend his stay.
Yet with Madrid’s intent growing stronger, the months ahead will decide whether Konate commits to Liverpool or chooses Spain.
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