Real Madrid ‘Make Approach’ to Sign £43.2m Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Real Madrid Circle as Liverpool Face Konate Dilemma

Football Espana have broken the news that Real Madrid have made their first approach to Liverpool regarding Ibrahima Konate, raising eyebrows across Merseyside and beyond. With Liverpool still basking in the glow of last season’s Premier League title under Arne Slot, the potential loss of one of their top defenders feels like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon.

Konate, who joined Liverpool in 2021 and has since lifted four trophies with the club, now faces an uncertain future. Talks over a contract extension are reportedly stalling, leading to speculation that Liverpool may cash in this summer rather than risk losing him for free at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Real Madrid’s Interest and Liverpool’s Pricing

According to Football Espana, Liverpool have set an asking price of €50 million for Konate. However, Real Madrid’s valuation sits far lower, between €20-25 million, based on their belief that the French defender will not renew his contract and will walk away for nothing next summer.

L’Equipe reports that Real Madrid have officially approached Liverpool to ask what kind of offer might tempt them into a sale. This signals the first tangible move from Los Blancos and opens the door to a transfer that could reshape Liverpool’s defensive setup.

Potential Ripple Effect on Liverpool’s Squad

The loss of Konate would create an immediate hole in Arne Slot’s plans. With Virgil van Dijk nearing the twilight of his career and Joe Gomez struggling with consistency, Konate has been seen as the heir to Liverpool’s defensive leadership.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has been linked as a potential replacement, and his signing could now be accelerated if Konate departs. But there’s no guarantee Liverpool can replace Konate’s blend of pace, power and aerial dominance quickly or cheaply.

A Move That Cuts Deep

For Liverpool fans, the thought of Konate following Trent Alexander-Arnold to Spain, as Football Espana points out, is bitter. Both players symbolise the modern Liverpool — young, talented and key to the team’s identity.

“There is already an ill-feeling between Real Madrid and Liverpool,” Football Espana report, and the potential exit of another top Red to Madrid would only deepen those wounds. Losing Konate for less than market value or for nothing would sting, both financially and emotionally.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this development is alarming. Just a year after waving goodbye to Trent Alexander-Arnold, the thought of losing Konate feels like a body blow. Fans will wonder: why have contract talks dragged on so long, and why are we now in a position where Real Madrid can come sniffing for a bargain?

There’s no doubt Konate has had injury spells, but when fit, he is a Rolls Royce of a centre-back — fast, strong, composed, and still just 26. To let him go for €25 million, barely half his market worth, feels like dreadful business.

Supporters will also worry about the wider message this sends. Liverpool are champions, led by a promising manager in Arne Slot, yet we’re talking about key players walking away. It raises questions about FSG’s ambition and whether the club is doing enough to keep its top stars happy.

If Konate leaves, Guehi would be a solid addition, but is he ready to step up to Champions League knockout football? There’s also the fear that one sale could lead to others, creating a ripple effect that destabilises the squad. For many on the Kop, this news is less about money and more about pride — Liverpool should be building a dynasty, not selling its crown jewels to European rivals.