Real Madrid Set to Unleash Fresh Pursuit of Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate
Facing an urgent requirement for an experienced central defender this summer, Real Madrid may redirect their focus toward Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté following limited alternatives in the transfer market, according to recent reports.
Prior to the campaign's commencement, Konaté's potential transfer to the Spanish capital appeared certain. Similar to his former colleague Trent Alexander-Arnold, the French defender, who was repeatedly associated with Los Blancos, failed to extend his Liverpool contract and entered his final year with an unclear future ahead.
However, Real Madrid's previously strong interest in Konaté completely disappeared following his poor beginning to the 2025–26 season, with sources indicating the Spanish club had completely abandoned pursuit of the Liverpool player.
The situation has shifted following the January transfer period. As reported by ESPN, Los Blancos are now tracking Konaté again as they search for a "defender capable of anchoring the defense for the coming decade."
Real Madrid Desperate to Solve Defensive Woes
Real Madrid Desperate to Solve Defensive Woes
Throughout the past 18 months, Real Madrid's defensive line has been ravaged by fitness problems. Natural central players Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have all been repositioned as makeshift defenders to fill gaps created by injuries to Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal.
The organization believed that acquiring Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras during the previous summer provided sufficient defensive additions, yet the first has only featured in 16 matches this campaign due to fitness issues. Huijsen, on the other hand, has found it difficult to excel in his inaugural season.
With Alaba departing at season's end and Rüdiger possibly departing as well, Real Madrid are left with merely three senior center backs, while Militão's injury record coupled with Huijsen's difficulties offer minimal reassurance. The club has consequently placed acquiring another defensive addition at the top of their agenda.
However, their choices are rapidly diminishing after remaining inactive during the January window, allowing their preferred targets to be acquired by rival clubs.
Konaté: A Last-Resort Necessity for the Future
Konaté: A Last-Resort Necessity for the Future
When Real Madrid distanced themselves from Konaté in November, they had three alternative options under consideration:
Los Blancos could choose between another English league standout in Guéhi, an experienced veteran and upcoming free agent in Upamecano, or a promising young prospect in Jacquet. All three were accessible before January's transfer period began, and all three appear unavailable since its conclusion.
Manchester City secured Guéhi in a transfer valued at an initial £20 million (£26.8 million), Jacquet is expected to join Liverpool for the 2026–27 campaign, and recent German reports indicate Upamecano is close to extending his Bayern Munich contract.
Unexpectedly, Real Madrid must return to their planning phase and potentially reopen their previously closed pursuit of Konaté. The 26-year-old would not only complement the squad's substantial French presence and reunite with Alexander-Arnold, but would also strengthen their struggling defense, even during his poorest performances.
While he may no longer represent Los Blancos' preferred choice given his current season difficulties—Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticized the defender for being "at the crime scene" too frequently—he arrives without a transfer fee and brings experience, physical strength, and aerial dominance. Should Konaté deliver a solid second half of 2025–26, his potential move to the Bernabéu could definitely return to consideration.