Real Madrid Wants To Sign The 25-Year-Old Liverpool Centre-Back: Will The Reds Let Him Leave? | OneFootball

The latest report from Spanish outlet Fichajes states that Real Madrid are one of the clubs that are keeping tabs on Liverpool‘s 25-year-old centre-back Ibrahima Konate. However, they have not yet come up with an offer for the defender. Konate moved to the Anfield side for a fee of £35 million from RB Leipzig and since then has been one of the integral members of their first team. Currently, the defender is nursing an injury and hence has been sidelined. However, he is still one of the most important players for the club.

Ibrahima Konate is one of the most important players for Liverpool

Reports from Liverpool sources say that Arne Slot’s side won’t agree to sell the defender at any cost, and there are even talks of a new long-term contract with the player. So, it remains to be seen what happens with the interest of the Los Blancos.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux on September 28, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League and also the UEFA Champions League points table. Hence, they are expected to compete for major trophies and will want to retain their best players on the side. Los Blancos also want to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander Arnold. The Englishman’s contract will expire this summer, and Real Madrid already has terms agreed with the defender. The Reds have still not agreed on a new contract with Arnold.

On the other hand, Konate is happy at Anfield and does not want to move away from Liverpool. Moreover, Liverpool are also not in need of big money, and hence they won’t be convinced to sell one of their best assets. They can’t dictate terms in the case of Arnold due to his contract situation but hold absolute power regarding Konate. Their captain, Virgil van Dijk’s contract, also expires this summer, and hence, in no way, they will let Konate leave in this situation.

How good will Konate be for Real Madrid?

Konate is a tall centre-back who is physical and also has the technicality in him. He is dominant in aerial duels and has the strength to shrug off forwards. He has a good pace, which helps him to recover balls easily, and he also possesses good composure with the ball at his feet. Standing at 6’4″, he dominates with aerial prowess and strength, making him formidable in defence. Konaté’s aggressive style in duels and his ability to play out from the back underline his modern defensive approach. Hence, he could fit well into a high-line defensive strategy.