Why Real Madrid may ditch Ibrahima Konate for Dayot Upamecano next summer? Liverpool defender shocked by new theory

Real Madrid now prefer Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano over his international teammate Ibrahima Konaté, who has long been linked with a switch to the Spanish capital next summer. According to reports, Konaté is unhappy with the development as he feels the sudden change of heart by decision-makers at the Bernabéu is nothing short of betrayal.

Both Konaté and Upamecano will see their current contracts run out by June 2026 if they do not renew with their employers. Konaté has been stalling Liverpool's talks for many months over Real Madrid's promise to acquire him on a free transfer next summer. Thus, he is now unhappy to learn that the Los Blancos are willing to shell out a €20 million (£17.3m, $23.3m) salary bonus to Upamecano if he decides to choose the Spanish capital as his next destination. According to reports, this is the same amount that is being offered by Bayern to make him sign a new deal.

Dayot Upamecano

According to Spanish media reports, Konaté's recurring fitness issues are what is forcing Real Madrid to reconsider. Upamecano, whose contract extension talks with Bayern remain stalled over salary and bonus demands, is a better choice, Real have reportedly come to realise. While Konaté's name has not been axed, Upamecano has emerged as a clear favourite to land a contract, Catalonia-based E-noticies said in a report.

However, contrasting reports about his Liverpool future have also arisen in recent days. Many prominent journalists across the European football circuit believe that the Reds are in active talks with the Frenchman over a contract renewal, and there have been critical breakthroughs in recent times. Marc Guéhi and Konaté could be the defensive partners in Liverpool's back line once captain Virgil Van Dijk departs, and the former RB Leipzig centre-back stands a realistic chance of earning the captain's armband.