Steele says that Madrid believes they have already reached an agreement with Konate.
Liverpool are focused on long-term planning under new manager Arne Slot, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about their defence — with fresh reports from Spain now linking Ibrahima Konaté to a potential move.
According to Lewis Steele of Mail Sport, Real Madrid are growing increasingly confident that they can sign the French defender on a free transfer next summer. Although Konaté’s contract at Anfield runs until 2026, Madrid believe a deal is possible.
Real Madrid Eye Konaté Signing
Sources in Spain, cited by Steele, say Madrid see Konaté’s situation as similar to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s before his cut-price transfer to the Bernabéu. Confidential reports even suggest that Madrid’s top executives have already discussed the potential of an agreement, with the option to formally negotiate with Konaté opening on January 1.
Despite this, the 26-year-old hasn’t indicated any desire to leave Liverpool, and contract talks actually began last November. However, no agreement has been reached yet.
At the end of last season, Konaté publicly expressed his commitment to Liverpool, saying:
> “To win a trophy was just amazing. And today, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here.”
Adding a light-hearted twist, Konaté recently joked on French TV that fellow international Kylian Mbappé is “calling me every two hours” about Madrid.
Liverpool remain composed amid the growing interest and are continuing efforts to extend his contract. So far, there’s no signal from Konaté’s side that he’s looking to follow Alexander-Arnold to Spain.
As Paul Joyce reported, the club maintains a firm stance: they won’t “beg” any player to stay. The coming months will be crucial — losing Konaté for free would be a significant blow, and it’s now up to Liverpool’s leadership to secure his future at Anfield, rather than letting Madrid swoop in for another key defender.
