After Real Madrid initiated talks to sign Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool, the two clubs are said to have discussed the transfer amount. A deal is still possible as the relationship between the two European giants is warm, Spanish media reports said.
Centre-back Konaté has reportedly told Liverpool that he will not be signing a contract extension as long as he is wanted by Real Madrid. This reportedly gave the La Liga team the opportunity to approach his club, as the Frenchman is vital to Arne Slot's plans. The 25-year-old's current deal will expire next year, and if they can't sell him before the current summer transfer window shuts, Liverpool risks another Trent Alexander-Arnold-like situation. Trent, long linked to Real Madrid, walked away as a free agent ahead of the Club World Cup, denying the Reds any profit from the sale apart from the £10 million they got for an early release.
English trophies ✅🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ys2p0wKboV
— Ibrahima Konate (@IbrahimaKonate_) April 28, 2025
According to Spanish media, Real Madrid have frankly warned Liverpool that they will miss out on another sale if they ignore the approaches being made. They will come for free-agent Konaté next season if nothing happens now, and it is in the best interest of the Premier League champions to accept the offer they are making now, Real Madrid have reportedly pointed out.
During the conversation, Liverpool reportedly asked for £50 million for Konaté. Real Madrid made a counter-offer to pay its half – a decent sum somewhere between £20 and £25 million, AS said. Konaté was signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million. Alonso wants Konaté for his ability on the ball, capacity to quickly cover large areas, and high-pressing skills. He swiftly closes down opponents and aims to win the ball high up the pitch, thereby disrupting opposition build-up.
It is rumoured that Xabi Alonso will let go of Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy to bring in a dream combination of Konaté and Arsenal's William Saliba.
