Liverpool Stand Firm as Real Madrid and Chelsea Target Defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Chelsea Eye Ibrahima Konaté Amid Liverpool Stand

According to a report from DefensaCentral, Real Madrid have intensified their search for a centre-back, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté now at the forefront of their plans. Xabi Alonso is said to be urging the Spanish giants to focus their attention on the Frenchman, although not for an immediate move. The Bernabéu’s finances have already taken a hit after moves for Franco Mastantuono, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen, meaning a free transfer in 2026 is appealing.

Chelsea Join the Race

Konaté’s “proven skills as a center-back” have not gone unnoticed in England either. Chelsea are reportedly preparing a €50 million bid this summer to cover for the “serious injury suffered by Levi Colwill”, which has left Enzo Maresca without one of his defensive mainstays. The Blues are desperate for reinforcements, and Konaté fits their profile.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid Hold the Edge

While Chelsea’s approach matches Liverpool’s asking price, the player is believed to favour a move to Spain. The idea of joining the Santiago Bernabéu is described as “the most attractive offer they’ve received to date”. Liverpool’s hierarchy, however, are reluctant to bolster a direct Premier League rival, making a Madrid move more likely if Konaté is to leave.

Liverpool’s Contract Gamble

Liverpool’s stance is firm: they are “refusing to let Ibrahima Konaté leave”, instead seeking to tie him down to a new contract. This would end the speculation and protect them from losing him for nothing next summer. Chelsea are still weighing their next step following the rejection of their €50 million bid, and an increased offer cannot be ruled out. With Konaté just a year away from free agency, the pressure on Liverpool’s decision-makers will only grow.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This story will divide Liverpool supporters. On one hand, there is admiration for the club’s refusal to sell to a domestic rival, especially one competing for top-four positions. Strengthening Chelsea would be a bitter pill to swallow. On the other hand, turning down €50 million for a player with just one year left on his deal carries huge risk, particularly if Konaté has already decided on Real Madrid as his future destination.

The hope will be that Arne Slot’s project and Liverpool’s ambitions can convince him to commit. Konaté is a key piece of Liverpool’s defensive unit, and replacing him would be costly and disruptive. However, with Real Madrid looming and Chelsea desperate, this could become one of the defining sagas of the next year.

If Liverpool fail to secure an extension, they risk losing a high-value asset for nothing. Fans will watch closely, knowing that decisive action must be taken soon. In elite football, hesitation can be the most expensive decision of all.