**Real Madrid Eye Ibrahima Konate as Key Defensive Reinforcement**
Real Madrid are actively planning to strengthen their defense with another elite center-back in the next one to two years, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has emerged as a top target. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old French defender is highly admired by Madrid’s management, who view him as a potential long-term solution to their defensive woes.
This season, injuries to key defenders like Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger exposed Madrid’s lack of depth, contributing to a disappointing trophyless campaign. While the imminent signing of Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen for €58 million will provide immediate relief, the club believes another world-class center-back is necessary to ensure stability in the coming years.
Konate’s contract situation at Liverpool makes him an attractive option. With his deal set to expire in 2026 and renewal talks stalled since October 2024, he could either leave as a free agent or become a feasible transfer target next summer. His physicality, age, and playing style align well with Madrid’s needs, especially under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who is keen on bolstering the defense.
However, Liverpool are wary of losing another key player to Madrid after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free transfer. This has increased their urgency to secure Konate’s future, though no breakthrough in negotiations has been reported. Meanwhile, Madrid continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to capitalize if an opportunity arises.
While Arsenal’s William Saliba remains Madrid’s dream signing, his contract until 2027 and Arsenal’s strong stance make a deal difficult. Konate, therefore, presents a more realistic alternative. The club is also mindful of the aging Rudiger (32) and Alaba (33), who are not long-term solutions, as well as Militao’s uncertain reliability post-injury.
Other potential targets, such as RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba and Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis, have been considered, but Konate’s Premier League experience and contract status give him an edge. For now, Madrid’s immediate focus is finalizing deals for Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras, along with a midfielder, ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Madrid’s strategic planning is well underway, with Konate firmly on their shortlist alongside Huijsen and Saliba. While no official offer has been made, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Liverpool defender becomes the latest star to join the Spanish giants.