Real Madrid have reportedly tabled an offer worth €25 million for Liverpool’s highly-rated centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract at Anfield is set to expire in the summer of 2026. According to Spanish journalist Tomas Gonzalez-Martin via El Debate (as relayed by Madrid Universal), Los Blancos are moving swiftly to reinforce their defensive options, and the French international has emerged as a top priority.
The 26-year-old has become a cornerstone in Liverpool’s defensive unit since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021 for €40 million. His strength, pace, and composure on the ball have not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs. Real Madrid, long admirers of Konaté’s attributes, had originally planned to wait until the end of his contract before making a move. But due to a series of injuries to key defenders and a lacklustre showing at the Club World Cup, new manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly urging the club to act now.
Madrid’s €25 million offer, however, falls significantly short of Liverpool’s valuation. The Reds are said to have placed a €50 million price tag on Konaté’s head, believing the defender is still entering his prime and will be vital under Arne Slot’s new era. Nevertheless, with just a year left on his contract after this season, the Merseyside club faces the tricky decision of cashing in now or risking losing him for free later.
Real Madrid’s current squad situation could complicate matters. With the club’s 25-man roster already full, any new arrivals would likely require the departure of one or more existing players. Several names—such as Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, and even Brazilian forward Rodrygo—have been linked with potential exits. Yet as of now, no substantial negotiations have materialized for any of those players.
The club’s aggressive pursuit of Konaté is not an isolated move. Reports also suggest that Madrid are preparing a whopping €115 million offer for Manchester City midfield general Rodri. The Spanish international is viewed as a long-term successor to the aging Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. But much like the Konaté deal, the Rodri pursuit hinges on Madrid clearing space within their squad.
For Liverpool, the situation surrounding Konaté is delicate. While the Frenchman has been plagued by the occasional injury, when fit, he has proven to be one of the most dependable defenders in the Premier League. Letting him go now would mean trusting a relatively untested defensive line in the first season under their new manager, which may not be an ideal scenario.
Konaté’s interest in the move is yet to be officially confirmed, but a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu would undoubtedly be tempting for any top-level player. Real Madrid not only offer the prestige of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also the opportunity to compete for top honours across domestic and European competitions.
Despite Madrid’s firm stance on their €25 million bid being “non-negotiable,” Liverpool are unlikely to let the defender leave on the cheap. With over a month left before the transfer window slams shut on August 31, there is still ample time for negotiations and perhaps a compromise.
Interestingly, while Madrid are chasing a Liverpool player, the Merseyside club have themselves been urged to go after a Real Madrid star. Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant recently encouraged his former side to consider signing Rodrygo as a potential replacement for Luis Díaz, should the Colombian winger leave. Díaz has been on the radar of several top clubs including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Speaking in an interview with Adventure Gamers, Pennant praised Rodrygo’s qualities, calling him a “like-for-like replacement” for Díaz. He highlighted the Brazilian’s experience at the top level and likened his playing style to that of the Colombian—quick, direct, and difficult to defend against.
Rodrygo, however, is not expected to come cheap either. Madrid reportedly value the Brazilian winger at over €100 million, making any potential transfer a significant investment for the Reds.
All things considered, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Ibrahima Konaté signals a clear intent to bolster their backline ahead of a gruelling 2024–25 campaign. But whether their €25 million offer will be enough to convince Liverpool to part ways with one of their most trusted defenders remains to be seen.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the transfer window, fans on both sides will be keeping a close eye on developments. For now, Konaté remains a Liverpool player—but with Real Madrid knocking, that status could soon change.