19 August 2025
French defender Ibrahima Konate is one step closer to leaving Liverpool to join Real Madrid in the current summer transfer window.
According to Spanish reports Konate's move to Real Madrid has become a more realistic option, given Liverpool's moves in the transfer market.
Reportedly, Liverpool does not want to sell Konate this summer or lose him for free next summer, the club has already begun moving to sign replacements.
"AS" reported that Liverpool had already signed young center-back Giovanni Leone from Parma last Friday for €35 million, a preemptive move to prevent Konate's potential exit.
The newspaper added that Liverpool "also retains the option to sign England international defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. These two players (Leone and Guehi) represent the present and future of Liverpool in its plan for the post-Konate era."
The report indicated that Real Madrid has Konate (26 years old) at the top of its list of priorities, but the club prefers to acquire his services for free next summer, as his contract with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2026.
This planning comes in light of the uncertainty surrounding the position of Real Madrid's defensive duo, Eder Militao and David Alaba, following their serious injuries.
According to the newspaper "AS," Real Madrid may change its strategy and submit a last-minute offer for Konate, but it will not exceed 20 or 25 million euros.
Media reports have confirmed that Konate has given his initial approval to Real Madrid, whether to join this summer or next.
