Liverpool contract rebel gives green light to Real Madrid move either this summer or next | OneFootball

According to a recent revelation from AS, it has come to light that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has given his approval to join Real Madrid, whether in the current transfer window or next summer.

The outlet assures that the French centre-back desires to wear the famous white shirt of Los Blancos either this year or in 2026 when his contract with Liverpool expires.

Interestingly, Liverpool are determined not to lose him easily. The club’s hierarchy is working on a contract renewal to ensure they either keep the defender or avoid losing him for free when his deal expires next year.

Liverpool’s transfer moves fuel speculation

Liverpool’s defensive shake-up is adding fuel to the transfer rumours. The Merseyside club is reportedly preparing a double signing in defence, targeting Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni.

Should both deals go through, competition for places at the back would increase, potentially opening the door for Konate’s departure.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have made the Frenchman a priority target for summer 2026, ideally securing him on a free transfer.

Ibrahima Konate wants to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

PSG are also monitoring the situation, but the Santiago Bernabeu board are prepared to wait and see how Eder Militao and David Alaba perform after their long injury lay-offs.

Right now, the club is clear that they will rely on Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, and Antonio Rudiger (despite being 32) for the 2025/26 season.

Possibility of a last-minute deal

While Madrid’s plan is to wait, there is growing talk of a late move in this transfer window.

If Liverpool complete the signings of Guehi and Leoni, Real Madrid could submit an offer in the region of €20–25 million for Konate, well below his market value.

The former RB Leipzig defender has already made his stance clear that he wants to wear white, whether this summer or the next.

Liverpool, though, will do everything in their power to block the move, pushing to tie him down to a new contract.