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Real Madrid Insistent on Signing Liverpool Star in 2026 with Plans Already in Place

As Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Liverpool continues to dwindle with each passing day, Real Madrid are already planning to deal another hammer blow to the Reds next summer.

That blow could come as a move to sign Ibrahima Konate, as his contract is currently set expire in June 2026. Reliable journalists like Fabrizio Romano have already mentioned Madrid’s interest in signing the Frenchman.

Sources have revealed to Anfield Index that the Spanish side have already made plans to move for the defender next summer and have even identified potential targets as a stopgap until Konate becomes a free agent next summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid Insist on Konate

The Liverpool defender sits alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba and AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen right at the top of of Madrid’s list of defensive transfer targets.

There is a belief that thee £50million release clause in Huijsen’s contract could potentailly bring a move forward to this summer, whilst they are more than comfortable with the idea of waiting to capture Konate for nothing next year.

It’s no surprise to see top European clubs keen on signing Konate after an immense season alongside Virgil Van Dijk and with contract talks yet to really progress, interest is going to continue to ramp up.

The potential factor of capturing the Frenchman for free is a huge boost for Madrid, who could look to repeat the same trick that saw them land Alexander-Arnold this summer.

Bundesliga Defender on the Radar

We’re also told that Madrid are weighing up a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah on a free transfer, to fill a gap in the squad until Konate becomes available.

Tah has already confirmed his intention to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season and could join Xabi Alonso in making the switch from the Bundesliga side to Madrid.

Photo: IMAGO

The deal could be a tricky one to complete with Barcelona and Bayern Munich maintaining contact with the German defender for many months now, so are ahead in the race as it stands.

Konate’s Future a Priority for Liverpool

Liverpool must prioritise a decision over Konate’s future at the club. With just one year remaining on his current deal, progress is needed soon or Arne Slot could be about to lose another of his key players for free.

Years of negligence on contract negotiations are starting to catch up with Liverpool. After managing to secure deals for Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah recently, now questions remain over not just Konate, but also the likes of Luis Diaz, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota.