Arne Slot’s first season as Liverpool manager has been impressive, with the team currently leading the Premier League by 13 points over Arsenal, with 11 games left. They are also strong contenders in the UEFA Champions League, although they face a challenging Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, uncertainty surrounds the future of several star players. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to become free agents this summer, with no contract extensions yet agreed. Alexander-Arnold, in particular, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Now, Madrid’s interest in Liverpool players seems to be growing. According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish giants are reportedly targeting center-back Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract runs until 2026. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to be keen on signing the 25-year-old, though PSG is also reportedly interested.
The Daily Mail also mentions that Liverpool began contract talks with Konaté’s representatives last year, but no agreement has been reached. In light of Konaté’s uncertain future, Liverpool is reportedly eyeing Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez from Belgian club Club Brugge. The 20-year-old has been a standout in Brugge’s Champions League campaign, despite his team losing 3-1 to Aston Villa in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Liverpool isn’t the only club tracking Ordóñez—Aston Villa and Everton are also said to be interested in the young center-back. After their Champions League match against PSG, Liverpool will return to Premier League action on Saturday against Southampton at Anfield.
