Real Madrid’s efforts to sign Ibrahima Konaté have hit a wall after Liverpool placed a steep €70 million asking price on the French defender, effectively ending the Spanish club’s interest—for now. What began as a promising move has quickly fizzled out, leaving Madrid frustrated at the outset of the 2025 transfer window.
Reports from Defensa Central and leading UK outlets confirm that Madrid’s board has told new manager Xabi Alonso that Konaté is no longer a viable option. With only a year left on his contract and a weekly wage of £80,000, the €70 million demand was viewed by Madrid officials as excessive.
Despite Liverpool’s firm stance, Madrid is no stranger to playing the long game. The club has a history of swooping in for top talent on free transfers—like David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Kylian Mbappé. With Konaté’s contract set to expire in 2026, Madrid may simply wait and try again next year—unless PSG steps in first.
In the meantime, Liverpool has come out on top. Not only have they held onto a crucial defensive asset, but they’ve also sent a message: they won’t be pressured into sales, even by Europe’s biggest clubs. Still, Konaté’s future at Anfield is uncertain. At 26, he’s seeking a substantial pay raise to commit to a new deal, while PSG continues to monitor the situation.
This failed transfer is a setback for Alonso, who is eager to reshape Madrid’s defense with a strong, fast, ball-playing centre-back. Now, the club must quickly identify alternative targets, possibly from the Bundesliga or Premier League.
Liverpool’s stance on Konaté is part of a broader shift. Under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds are making aggressive moves in the transfer market. They’re reportedly pursuing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike—aiming to build a Champions League-caliber squad.
Having already renewed key contracts for stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool is reinforcing its status as a major European force in the post-Klopp era. The firm response to Madrid’s interest reflects a club no longer willing to lose key players without a fight.
As for Konaté, the coming months will be critical. Will he sign a new deal, or hold out for a move in 2026? With his value high and interest growing, the ball is in his court.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid must revise their plans. Losing out on Konaté leaves a gap in their defensive blueprint, and no backup currently matches his profile. The transfer saga might be over—for now—but Konaté’s name will remain hot in the transfer rumor mill.
And in the unpredictable world of football, a deal that seems dead today could be revived tomorrow
