"He calls me every two hours!": The relentless pursuit of Ibrahima Konate | OneFootball

The French captain wants his national teammate to anchor Madrid’s defence for the next era

"He calls me every two hours!": The relentless pursuit of Ibrahima Konate

Kylian Mbappe has once again taken centre stage in the transfer conversation not for his goals but for his constant attempts to convince Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate to join Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have already reinforced key areas:

Now attention has shifted to the centre back position and Mbappe wants Konate.

"He calls me every two hours"

Konate himself previously admitted in light hearted interview that Mbappe "calls me every two hour" joking that he doesn’t even speak Spanish yet.

Still Mbappe’s persistence reflects Real Madrid’s genuine interest in signing the 25 year old defender.

Why Madrid want Konate

With David Alaba & Antonio Rudiger both entering the final year of their contracts, Real Madrid are preparing for major defensive transition.

Konate whose contract with Liverpool expires next summer becomes eligible in January to sign pre contract agreement with any foreign club — a situation that has alerted Madrid, Bayern Munich and even Barcelona.

From Madrid’s perspective, Konate fits the profile: (Physically dominant - Comfortable in build up play - Familiar with Mbappe from the French national team - Entering his peak years)

Mbappe sees Konate a player capable of anchoring the back line for years.