BOOM: Real Madrid Plot Major Move for Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté to Solve Defensive Concerns!
According to Marca, Real Madrid are preparing to make a serious offer for Ibrahima Konaté, the powerful French center-back currently playing for Liverpool, in the coming weeks. The interest is part of an urgent push to reinforce the club’s defensive line, which head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly identified as the team’s main weakness heading into the new season.
Alonso’s Defensive Concerns
Xabi Alonso, who recently took over as manager, has wasted no time in evaluating the squad. After assessing Real Madrid’s performances during pre-season training and internal matches, he has expressed concerns about the depth, physicality, and reliability of the central defenders.
With the recent departure of veterans like Nacho Fernández, and with uncertainty still surrounding Antonio Rüdiger’s form post-injury as well as Éder Militão’s long-term recovery, Madrid are suddenly lacking in both experience and stability at the heart of defense.
Alonso reportedly views Konaté as a natural leader and physical enforcer, someone who could bring both strength and composure to Madrid’s high-line system. His ability to play in both traditional and modern tactical setups makes him a highly valuable target.
Why Konaté?
At just 25 years old, Ibrahima Konaté has already built a reputation as one of the most athletic and disciplined defenders in Europe. Since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, he’s impressed with his aerial ability, tactical awareness, and confidence in 1v1 situations — all of which make him a strong fit for Real Madrid’s evolving defensive identity.
He also brings Champions League and Premier League experience, having played at the highest level under Jürgen Klopp.
However, his time at Liverpool has occasionally been interrupted by minor injuries, which may be a point of consideration during negotiations. Still, Madrid view him as a long-term investment and a perfect complement to rising stars like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga.
The Financial and Negotiation Landscape
Although no official bid has been submitted yet, sources say that talks are expected to accelerate soon. Liverpool are not believed to be actively looking to sell, and Konaté remains a key figure in Klopp’s defensive plans.
But with Madrid ready to test the waters with a significant offer, and the player potentially open to joining a project under Xabi Alonso in Spain, things could progress quickly if all parties align.
Madrid are prepared to allocate a substantial budget for this transfer, with reports suggesting that any bid would likely exceed €55–60 million.
Next Steps
Real Madrid’s sporting leadership is said to be meeting this week to finalize the summer defensive targets. Konaté sits high on their shortlist, and a formal approach could be launched by early August. Alonso is urging the board to complete defensive reinforcements before the season kicks off, as he sees stability at the back as key to competing on all fronts.
If completed, this would be one of the standout defensive transfers of the window and a clear message that Madrid are not just focused on attack — they are building a complete, balanced squad for the future.
