Real Madrid, PSG Forcing Liverpool Into Worrying Transfer Situation to Avoid Alexander-Arnold Repeat | OneFootball

PSG are reportedly keeping a close eye on Ibrahima Konaté, but they’re not alone—Real Madrid are also said to be in the mix for the Liverpool defender. With his contract set to expire in 2026, the center-back is drawing growing interest as the summer transfer window approaches.

Milan Skriniar, currently on loan at Fenerbahçe, is expected to leave PSG for good this summer. That’s pushed the club to start exploring potential reinforcements for their back line. While nothing is imminent, the signs suggest PSG are planning for a future without Skriniar.

PSG’s interest in Konaté isn’t new. Back in February, Anfield Watch reported the club had a strong eye on him, fueling speculation about a possible return to his hometown. The Paris-born defender came up through Paris FC’s youth ranks before making his name at RB Leipzig. As a result,  he’s believed to be high on PSG’s list of summer targets.

Liverpool have difficult decision to make on PSG, Real Madrid target

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On Monday, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey offered more insight into Konate’s situation. He notes Liverpool may face pressure to sell the Frenchman instead of risking a free transfer.

“We really can’t underestimate just how worried Liverpool are by Konate’s situation,” Bailey said. “It’s a situation that they did inherit to be fair, but it’s also one that they could have maybe got in front of last summer.

“If we’re playing sort of devil’s advocate with this, would Konate have turned down a big contract offer last summer? Unfortunately he didn’t really get one last summer. And then let’s be fair to the player — he’s backed himself to have that big season and he’s had that.

“He really has stepped up from being a good Premier League player to being a very very good one. Liverpool are in a massive quandary with him now, I’m told if a new deal is looking unlikely in the coming weeks then do not rule out the prospect of Liverpool selling Konate this summer.

“Liverpool don’t want to be dragged into a difficult situation and obviously there is the prospect that Konate might not accept a summer move Then if that is the case we wonder whether we’re in a similar sort of cycle to Trent and Real Madrid.  It’s all about player power and Konate’s got it and Liverpool are very worried about this situation.

“They were always going to look to bring another centre-back, which they will do, but they might be facing the prospect of maybe having to bring two — but that would depend on Konate going. So don’t be surprised if we see some really strong links with Konate elsewhere. All the clubs love him — we know Real Madrid but PSG like him a lot and Bayern Munich.”