The transfer window has erupted with high drama between two European giants—Real Madrid and Liverpool. What began as a bold negotiation over Rodrygo Goes has now become a brutal rejection, with Madrid slamming the door on Liverpool’s ambitious proposal and preparing a stealthy counterattack that could shake Anfield to its core.
For several days, tension had been mounting around the Brazilian star. At 24, Rodrygo has found himself in a complicated position under new manager Xabi Alonso, with inconsistent performances placing his name in the rumor mill. Liverpool saw a golden opportunity and reportedly offered an aggressive deal: Ibrahima Konaté + cash in exchange for the winger.
But Real Madrid, never ones to fold under pressure, responded with a cold, calculated no. Sources from AS confirm that Florentino Pérez and Alonso not only rejected the offer outright—they also have a secret plan to sign Konaté for free next summer if the defender fails to renew his contract with Liverpool. A classic Madrid strategy is in motion.
The news reportedly stunned new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. Insiders close to the dressing room say the Dutchman was left “shocked” and “disappointed” upon hearing Madrid’s refusal and hidden intentions. “If Real Madrid truly waits to take Konaté for free, it would be a humiliation,” a source close to Slot told reporters.
Slot had envisioned a solid backline built around Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and rising star Jarell Quansah. Losing such a key defender—especially without compensation—would not only undermine that plan, but send shockwaves throughout Liverpool’s sporting project.
The situation has already lit a fire among Liverpool fans online. Social media exploded with fury, with some supporters accusing the club’s management of being “too soft” in negotiations. One angry fan posted, “Losing Konaté for free would be worse than Coutinho or Wijnaldum leaving. And handing Rodrygo to Madrid on top of that? It’s a disgrace!”
Even within the Liverpool dressing room, tensions are reportedly rising. According to The Mirror, several senior players—including Mohamed Salah—have requested clarity from the club. One anonymous player reportedly asked, “If Rodrygo is coming in, who’s going out? We can’t lose another top defender to fix a hole in attack.”
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is playing hardball in Madrid. Despite being critical of Rodrygo’s form at times, the manager refuses to let the player go cheaply. “We know what Rodrygo is worth, and we won’t sell him for anything less than top value. If they want a deal, they better come with a player and serious money,” Alonso reportedly said during an internal meeting.
Madrid’s position is clear: if Liverpool don’t come with a significantly improved offer—and fast—they’ll wait patiently for Konaté’s contract to run out. It’s a high-stakes chess match, and Florentino Pérez, the master of free transfers and late-window power plays, is once again on the offensive.
For now, Rodrygo remains silent, but sources close to the player say he is intrigued by the idea of Premier League football, especially playing alongside someone like Salah. “He loves the English intensity, but leaving Madrid is never an easy decision,” a source told AS.
The battle is far from over. What started as a transfer negotiation may now evolve into a long-term standoff. With Liverpool fighting to keep their defender and Real Madrid plotting in silence, the coming weeks could define the future of both clubs’ seasons—and possibly reshape their squads in unexpected ways.