Real Madrid appear set to continue their strategy of signing top players on free transfers, potentially dealing a blow to two Premier League clubs.
The Spanish giants have increasingly prioritized securing high-profile talent whose contracts are nearing expiration. In recent years, they’ve brought in stars like David Alaba (2021), Antonio Rüdiger (2022), Kylian Mbappé (2024), and most recently, Trent Alexander-Arnold—all either on free transfers or minimal fees.
Although a lifelong Liverpool supporter, Alexander-Arnold let his contract run down before agreeing to join Madrid. The club paid a modest £10 million to bring him in ahead of schedule, just in time for the Club World Cup.
Alongside their big-money signings like Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, Madrid are reportedly already planning their next free-transfer coups—putting clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal on high alert.
According to Marca, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté is Madrid’s top target. The French centre-back has declined a contract extension, and with his deal set to expire next summer, Liverpool could be at risk of losing him for free—just as they did with Alexander-Arnold.
Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera are also being monitored, but Konaté is believed to be Madrid’s main focus.
Despite reports in May that contract talks were progressing, Konaté’s future remains unresolved. Conflicting stories have emerged—some suggesting he’s dissatisfied with Liverpool’s offer amid interest from Real Madrid and PSG, while others claim a new deal is close.
Konaté has publicly addressed the rumors, denying any contract standoff.
“Everything on social media is false,” he said. “The club made me an offer, and I responded. That’s it. I never made any demands.”
He added:
“People were saying I was stalling or negotiating for more, but that’s not true. Even reputable journalists said I was close to signing last November—and I had no idea where that came from.”
He admitted the misinformation was frustrating and gave fans the wrong impression.
“It made it look like I didn’t want to stay. But honestly, I was never close to signing. We’ll just have to see how things go.”
