Liverpool Internally Believes Konaté’s Departure Is Inevitable; He Will Join Real Madrid on a Free Transfer

This story is nothing new. On one hand, Real Madrid has always closely monitored players whose contracts are about to expire. On the other hand, some agents—not all—always use rumors of "Real Madrid’s interest"—whether true or false—to secure favorable contract extension terms for their clients at their current clubs. Bayern defender Alphonso Davies is a typical example, but there are also players who keep their promises, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba before him.

A similar scenario is unfolding a year later, with the focus this time on the center-back position—strengthening the defensive core seems to have become a necessity. As Rüdiger and Alaba’s contracts approach their end (German sources claim the former Chelsea center-back will not renew), and with questions surrounding their physical condition, Real Madrid is looking for reinforcement targets while waiting for the growth of youth academy talents, from Juan Martínez, Álex Valle, and Sergio Rivas to Jacob Ramón, who is gaining experience at Como.

Like Alexander-Arnold back then, Ibrahima Konaté, as a Liverpool player, has adopted a cautious attitude in the face of Real Madrid’s interest—steady and prudent yet firm. In fact, insiders at Anfield have already confirmed his departure, and his next destination will be Real Madrid. Bayern has also joined the race, but their sports director stated just last Friday that the top priority is to renew the contract with French international Dayot Upamecano.
Interestingly, this statement is clearly far from the truth, coming at a time when rumors of the French center-back reaching an agreement with Real Madrid are rampant. The third protagonist in this transfer saga, Joe Gomez, has already traveled to Liverpool to complete the transfer that began last summer.

The reality is that while Real Madrid is looking for reinforcements, the club is aware that Éder Militão has returned and has full confidence in Dean Huijsen. They do need to strengthen their squad, but they will never engage in a bidding war. Konaté’s transfer is progressing steadily, while the negotiations between Upamecano and his agent have reached a stalemate.