Real Madrid not ruling out move for Liverpool ace likely to cost at least €50 million | OneFootball

Real Madrid are likely to make some changes to their squad in the coming weeks following a disappointing campaign which ended with the 4-0 defeat to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.

Los Blancos have already made three signings this summer – two of which have come in defence in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.

Alvaro Carreras is also expected to sign soon to further bolster the defensive line.

Ibrahima Konate to arrive this summer as well?

However, further defensive reinforcements could arrive, as according to AS, Real Madrid are not ruling out the signing of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.

With his contract set to expire in 2026, the Frenchman has already rejected two renewal offers. Reports suggest that the centre-back has made his intentions clear: he only wants to wear white.

Real Madrid currently have five centre-backs, but the club still consider it an area in need of reinforcement. David Alaba is nearing the exit and could be gone by 2026. Antonio Rudiger remains solid but is 32, and his knees are a growing concern.

Konate is a target for Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League)

Eder Militao, although progressing well in recovery, has suffered two ACL injuries in two years. In this context, Konate, aged 26, at his physical and sporting peak, and unwilling to renew – fits the bill perfectly.

Initially, Real Madrid’s plan was to wait until 2026 and sign Konate on a free – replicating the strategies used with Alaba, Rudiger, and Trent.

Konate to cost €50 million at least

Liverpool, wary of repeating a ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold situation’, are now leaning toward cashing in before losing him on a free.

However, aware that the defender might not renew, Liverpool’s technical department is now working to find an attractive offer that would provide a solid financial return.

The report further states that Liverpool would not accept less than €50 million for Konate, who has become a key part of the team alongside Virgil van Dijk.

However, Real Madrid have no intention of paying that amount, particularly with the player clearly favouring a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

If a significant departure occurs, especially involving Alaba, the path could open. Even then, Real Madrid would not pay more than €20–25 million for a player approaching the final year of his contract.