Currently at Liverpool, but being courted by Real Madrid, Ibrahima Konate has a well-defined plan for the next stage of his career.
With his Liverpool contract set to expire in June 2026, the French international faces an uncertain future. A key figure in the Reds’ defence alongside Virgil van Dijk, Konate is at a career crossroads this season. At 26, near his peak, he can either extend his stay at Liverpool or seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé pushing for Konaté
Real Madrid have been pursuing him for months, hoping to convince him to sign. Konate is one of three central defenders targeted by the Spanish giants for 2026, along with Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guéhi. All three could be available at the end of the season if they do not renew with their current clubs or move elsewhere during the next winter transfer window.
Signing Konate on a free transfer would be another major coup for the Spanish side. Real Madrid can also count on the backing of Kylian Mbappé in this pursuit. The Paris-born defender has joked about it on Telefoot: “Mbappé pushing me to join Real Madrid? He calls me every two hours.”
Konaté ready to leave Liverpool
Liverpool and Real Madrid are eagerly awaiting Konate’s final decision. Journalist Nicolo Schira reports that the defender is ready to leave the Reds on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Konaté already rejected a substantial offer from a Saudi club this summer and is keen to try a new adventure. Talks are reportedly underway with Real Madrid, who aim to replicate the strategy used for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English right-back left Liverpool on a free transfer this summer to join Los Blancos. The Spaniards are said to have offered Konate a contract running until 2031.
According to Marca, Konate’s move to Real Madrid next summer is progressing well and is reportedly advanced. He would arrive to replace Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, whose contracts are expiring and will not be renewed. The Paris-born defender would then compete with Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao and Raul Asencio for central defensive positions.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
