Liverpool defender one step closer to joining Real Madrid – report | OneFootball

The transfer market for Real Madrid has long been over, but that hasn’t stopped the club from eyeing potential targets for next year.

One of them is Ibrahima Konate, who was heavily linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer but the move didn’t materialise.

Real Madrid, nevertheless, remain interested in the Frenchman as he will become a free agent at the end of the season, making him an excellent market opportunity.

Ibrahima has been in talks with Liverpool over a new deal but the defender has yet to pen a contract extension amid interest from Real Madrid and looks set to run down his contract at Anfield.

Liverpool sign potential Konate replacement

Now, in a latest indicator that Konate will leave Anfield next summer, Liverpool have roped in Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, with the move close to being completed.

Konate is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

According to Defensa Central, this may have a significant impact on the Frenchman’s future at the club as the player may now get benched and find it difficult to get into the starting eleven.

This appears to be Liverpool’s direct response to the player for wanting to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Real Madrid, though, might not even wait that long as the club are weighing up the possibility of making an offer for the Frenchman.

Not to mention, the transfer market still remains open and there is a chance Liverpool could be looking to seal an exit.

However, it remains unlikely Real Madrid would want to make a late move for the Frenchman on deadline day. Instead, the former RB Leipzig man could very well join as a free agent in 2026.