News Focus
- Real Madrid are positioned to sign Ibrahima Konaté without a transfer fee this summer
- The Liverpool defender’s current contract expires at the end of next month
- Negotiations for a new deal at Anfield have stalled due to disagreements over terms
- The French centre-back is expected to join the Spanish club before the new season begins
Real Madrid have received a major boost in their pursuit of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. The Spanish giants are looking to reinforce their back line following David Alaba’s departure from the club.
The Bernabéu outfit have faced several rejections in their search for a new centre-back. However, they now stand close to securing Konaté on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires in June.
Real Madrid identified the French international as a priority target last summer. They planned to approach him when his deal entered its final year. The club has built a strong reputation for signing world-class players without paying transfer fees. They used this strategy to acquire Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in recent seasons.
Recent weeks suggested Konaté might commit his future to Liverpool. Talks over a contract extension had begun at Anfield. However, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that these discussions have now collapsed. The 27-year-old is very likely to exit the Premier League when his current agreement ends.
The player and Liverpool remain distant on financial terms. With the World Cup approaching next month, finding time for further meetings will prove difficult. This situation opens the door for Real Madrid to complete the signing.
The final decision may rest with the club’s next head coach. Presidential candidate Florentino Pérez hopes to appoint José Mourinho if he wins the upcoming elections at the Bernabéu.