Real Madrid drop hint that star will be a Liverpool player | OneFootball

Real Madrid dropped a real hint that one star player won't be wearing white next season. He'll be at Liverpool.

The battle for centre-backs has been a very interesting one in 2026. Several elite clubs wanted - or still want - a new top option and there were certainly plenty to pick from.

Marc Guehi was linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid but Manchester City stole in to sign him with just six months remaining on his contract back in January. That took one option off the table, as well as removing City from the fight.

That left a few more to choose from. Dayot Upamecano's contract was expiring this summer, only for Bayern Munich to get him to renew. That took him off the table, too, as well as Bayern.

Liverpool and Real Madrid, however, didn't have their men. They'd both considered moves for Guehi. Both considered moves for Upamecano. Nico Schlotterbeck, then? The German has a little over a year remaining on his contract with Borussia Dortmund and is reportedly available to buy.

Only, recent reports claim Dortmund will get him to renew with a release clause for next summer. Once again, that's an option leaving the table.

But there's always been one massive name available: Ibrahima Konate. His contract is set to expire at the end of June and Real Madrid have been able to talk with him since January 1st.

The longer things went on, the more likely it felt that Konate would leave Liverpool and move to Spain. Instead, he's now on the brink of agreeing a new deal with the Reds.

That's something of a surprise but perhaps it shouldn't be. Real Madrid dropped a hint of what was to come recently with reports that they'd suddenly decided to keep Antonio Rudiger.

Rudiger is another centre-back with an expiring contract and absolutely everyone expected him to leave Real Madrid. AS now report that he's got an offer for a one-year deal - something Goal labelled 'unthinkable' earlier in the year.

The offer seems to have come at the same time Konate decided to remain with Liverpool. A sign that Los Blancos were forced to pivot to a new idea (or the old idea, in this case).

Ibrahima Konate: Situation Summary

Contract Breakthrough and Future at Anfield

As of 21 April 2026, Ibrahima Konaté has ended months of uncertainty by confirming he is "close to an agreement" on a new long-term deal. With his previous contract set to expire this summer, the 26-year-old was heavily linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid, but he revealed after the 2–1 Merseyside derby win over Everton that he "always wanted" to stay. Sporting Director Richard Hughes has prioritised this renewal to avoid a defensive exodus, especially as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are confirmed to be leaving Anfield. Konaté's commitment ensures he will lead a backline that includes Virgil van Dijk and incoming talent Jeremy Jacquet.

Performance and Personal Resilience

Konaté has been a mainstay in Arne Slot’s side, starting 31 Premier League matches and maintaining a 92% pass completion rate. His season has been defined by mental fortitude following the passing of his father in January; he significantly shortened his compassionate leave to help Liverpool through a defensive injury crisis. While the Reds' Champions League exit to PSG was a collective blow, Konaté’s individual form has stabilised in recent weeks, recording 10 clean sheets and a goal. He remains a primary figure for France as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup this June.