-
News
- 32 minutes ago
Real Madrid target URGENT signing: Liverpool fear deal is already agreed
Tom Weber
- Updated: 23 Jul 2025 17:49 BST
- 4 min read
News
Liverpool fear that Ibrahima Konate already has his heart set on joining Real Madrid, according to Spanish media.
The Club World Cup was a valuable tournament for new Los Blancos coach Xabi Alonso as it clearly showed him the biggest problem positions in his squad.
According to MARCA, Alonso has drawn his conclusions from Real Madrid's chastening 4-0 thrashing by PSG and believes that the club desperately needs defensive reinforcements.
Compared
Ibrahima Konaté
D (C)
Liverpool
Ibrahima Konaté
D (C)
Liverpool
VS
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
|
|
ETV |
|
| €36.3M - €44.4M | ETV Range | €57.9M - €96.5M |
| 26 years old (25 May, 1999) | Age | 24 years old (24 Mar, 2001) |
|
France
|
Nationality |
France
|
Real Madrid have therefore begun considering potentially bringing future moves forward. It is claimed that 'Operation Central' is already in full swing, with the Spanish giants targeting Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba.
Konate, in particular, appears to be attainable, while FootballTransfers understands that Saliba is poised to extend his contract at Arsenal. The same can't be said for his compatriot at Liverpool, who has still not signed fresh terms with the Premier League champions.
Konate set for Real Madrid?
Liverpool have been in talks with Konate over a new deal since 2024 as the 26-year-old is out of contract in 2026. However, initial optimism has given way to pessimism, and it looks increasingly likely that the Frenchman will depart either this summer or on a free transfer next year.
In fact, it is asserted that Liverpool have already resigned themselves to losing Konate, whose head has reportedly been turned by Real Madrid's interest, similarly to the Trent Alexander-Arnold case, who moved to Spain earlier this summer.
Real Madrid were initially expected to wait for Konate and to sign him on a Bosman next year, but the newfound urgency to sign a centre-back has given rise to a belief that they could place a bid imminently.
Liverpool, for their part, would welcome a big-money sale of Konate as they don't want to lose him for free. However, whether they will be able to receive a significant fee for a player with just a year to run on his deal - and who allegedly wants out - remains to be seen.
Football transfer news headlines today
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal close in on William Saliba contract despite agent disruption
DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today as Gyokeres, Rashford deals close
CONFIRMED: Liverpool pick WORLD-CLASS Luis Diaz replacement as €80m bid launched
Alexander Isak makes Newcastle DEMAND to set up 'DREAM' Liverpool move
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
