Real Madrid Want To Sign Liverpool Center-Back For Free In 2026: Will He Be A Good Signing? | OneFootball

Real Madrid have had a season to forget this time around, as they have lost the final of the Super Copa de Espana and the Copa del Rey to FC Barcelona. They are also trailing Barcelona by four points in the La Liga and have a El Clasico to play this weekend which might be the deciding factor for the league.

The Los Blancos recently signed Trent Alexander-Arnold for a free transfer for the next season. MARCA has now reported that they are targeting Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate for free in the summer of 2026. Konate’s contract with the Merseyside club ends after the 2025/26 season, and right now, there have been no contacts between the two parties regarding extending it.

Real Madrid Want To Sign Ibrahima Konate For Free In 2026

The Los Blancos have struggled in their backline with injuries. Eder Militao and David Alaba have been injury-prone. Additionally, Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have been well past their thirties, and hence, they need a quality younger center-back who has experience. Konate on a free transfer, fits that role exceptionally well.

If we talk about his stats this season, Ibrahima Konate has conceded 20 goals and kept 12 clean sheets in 28 matches in the Premier League 2024/2025 season. That means when Konate is on the pitch, his team has conceded a goal every 116 minutes. Moreover, he has made 1.43 tackles and 0.50 interceptions for every 90 minutes he was on the pitch. Konate is also racking up about 4.26 clearances at the same time. The center-back also has a G/A of three so far this season.

The 25-year-old French center-back, stands out for his strength, speed, and calmness on the ball. He wins most of his aerial duels and rarely misplaces a pass, which speaks to his solid all-around game. People often compare him to Virgil van Dijk because of how smart and composed he is in defense.

Will he be a good signing?

He is not just a strong player—he’s also a natural leader, having worn the captain’s armband for France. Off the pitch, his humor and energy help lift the mood in the dressing room. With his best years still ahead of him, Konaté looks like someone who could anchor a defense for a long time.

For Real Madrid, signing him on a free transfer in 2026 would be a smart move, especially as they plan for life after Rudiger and Alaba. But Liverpool would not want to lose him and will be working to tie him down with a new deal. Given his quality, Konate would be a great addition to any top team.