Real Madrid Breaks Silence with Explosive Statement on Ibrahima Konate Transfer Pursuit
Real Madrid have "clearly and categorically" communicated to Liverpool that they possess zero interest in acquiring Ibrahima Konaté during 2026, according to a shocking new report.
The French defender has consistently been regarded as a primary target for the La Liga powerhouse. A consistent national team player in his peak years at 26, Konaté is nearing the last six months of his Liverpool contract, and could negotiate a pre-contract deal with any foreign club starting January 1st. Discussions regarding a new agreement at Anfield have yet to yield any substantial progress.
Madrid have established a pattern of securing top free agents—as Liverpool experienced firsthand when Trent Alexander-Arnold departed last summer. Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba all joined through this budget-friendly route, but Konaté is not anticipated to follow suit.
Amid widespread speculation, Real Madrid broke their silence, contacting their Liverpool counterparts to explicitly state they will not pursue Konaté, reports The Athletic.
The motivation behind this definitive position was not disclosed. Nevertheless, several logical explanations exist.
Like numerous Liverpool colleagues, Konaté has endured a torturous period throughout this season. The dominant force from last campaign's Premier League championship has transformed into an error-prone liability. Even during Liverpool's opening seven-game winning streak, Konaté seldom provided stability alongside Virgil van Dijk, who has faced his own difficulties.
Apart from a notable dominant display against Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres, Liverpool's No. 5 has been defending with the effectiveness of a museum security guard.
Konaté's displays—which hit rock bottom during the midweek demolition by PSV Eindhoven—have even triggered an unusual public response from the typically reserved defender.
Konaté: We'll Weather This Difficult Period
Arne Slot has maintained a resolute attitude when confronted with Liverpool's terrible form, and this approach was mirrored by one of his team's most underwhelming players.
"We must accept this situation," Konaté posted on Instagram following Wednesday's 4–1 demolition by PSV, during which he wandered around Anfield like a malfunctioning shopping cart. "Criticism comes with football, and we'll respond every time and overcome this challenging period.
"During these times, the supporters are crucial. Those who support us through success and failure, those who chant for us even during tough moments. Your voices and backing mean everything to us. We understand we must improve and we'll continue battling for you. Always."