Liverpool are facing a storm they never wanted — and its name is **Ibrahima Konaté**. Reports across Spain and England are pointing towards one brutal truth: the French defender wants Real Madrid.
What started as whispers has grown into a drumbeat of inevitability. Inside Anfield, there’s real fear that **2026 could mark the end of Konaté’s journey in red**. The heartbreak isn’t just about losing a player — it’s about losing a cornerstone of Liverpool’s future, one the club fought hard to keep.
## Konaté’s Dream: The Bernabéu
For months, Liverpool tried everything: meetings, new contracts, promises of leadership and trophies. But Konaté, 26 and in his prime, has one dream above all — to wear the famous white shirt of **Los Blancos**.
According to **Marca**, Liverpool now believe the fight is lost. Any attempt to keep him would be “fruitless” because Konaté has already chosen his path.
This isn’t just another transfer story. Konaté was supposed to be the **pillar of the next generation** — the heir to Virgil van Dijk’s throne. Instead, he looks set to join the long list of stars who couldn’t resist Madrid’s pull.
## The Double Coup
And it doesn’t stop with Konaté. Reports suggest Madrid are planning a **double swoop**, targeting **Dayot Upamecano** of Bayern Munich alongside the Liverpool star.
Both French defenders are out of contract in 2026. Both have refused to extend. And both could walk into the **Santiago Bernabéu on free transfers** — a masterstroke for Madrid, a nightmare for Liverpool and Bayern.
## Why It Hurts Liverpool More
The timing couldn’t be worse. By January, Madrid will be able to negotiate a pre-contract with Konaté. Every game between now and then will feel like watching a player already halfway out the door.
It’s a wound that cuts deep. Van Dijk is aging, Gomez has never been fully reliable, and young Quansah is still learning. Losing Konaté now would rip away the spine of Liverpool’s defense — just as the Slot era is beginning.
## The Guehi Dilemma
Liverpool are already planning their response: a renewed push for **Marc Guehi** of Crystal Palace. The Reds tried to sign him last summer but fell short. Now, Guehi is back on their radar as the long-term solution.
But here’s the twist — rumors claim Guehi himself may also prefer Madrid. Some sources insist he’s still open to Anfield, others say Los Blancos have turned his head. For Liverpool, even the backup plan comes with uncertainty.
## Slot’s First True Test
For new manager **Arne Slot**, this is more than just a transfer saga — it’s a test of authority. He was hired to bring energy, goals, and a new identity. But without a stable defense, even the brightest football philosophies collapse.
If Konaté leaves, Slot must prove he can rebuild Liverpool’s backline and usher in a new age. Whether Guehi or another young defender, this signing could define his reign.
## Loyalty vs. Destiny
This story is bigger than one player. It’s about loyalty in modern football. Konaté has enjoyed Anfield, lifted trophies, and earned the love of the Kop. But when **Real Madrid calls**, even “You’ll Never Walk Alone” can struggle to compete with destiny.
For a French defender, the chance to follow in the footsteps of **Zidane, Varane, and Benzema** is almost irresistible.
## The Countdown to January
As the weeks pass, the tension grows. Every Konaté clearance, every Guehi performance, every whisper from Pérez will fuel speculation.
Liverpool know one thing for sure: they cannot stand still. Whether Konaté stays or goes, the club must act decisively to protect their future.
Because in this battle between **Anfield and the Bernabéu**, history tells us one thing: Real Madrid rarely lose.
