Ibrahima Konate: Real Madrid take incredibly BOLD step | OneFootball

Real Madrid have taken a bold step in their pursuit of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. They want the Frenchman.

It's no secret at this stage that Real Madrid want to sign Ibrahima Konate. It no longer seems like much of a secret that Konate wants to join Real Madrid.

That's the line out of Spain, anyway, and has been for quite some time now. The Frenchman's contract expires at the end of the season and Los Blancos smell another potential free transfer.

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It's a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga, of course. That saw Alexander-Arnold string Liverpool along for at least a year before 'eventually' deciding to sign for Real Madrid.

They're trying the same strategy, convincing Konate that they're the ultimate destination and making it near-impossible for the Reds to agree a new contract. And it appears to be working in back-to-back years.

However, there's a twist here. Things are different this time around and it means Real Madrid have taken a bold new step.

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Real Madrid leave squad space for Ibrahima Konate

Marca reports that Real Madrid are leaving a squad space open in case Konate joins them in this transfer window. That involves leaving Franco Mastantuono with their Castilla side for a bit, as they did with both Vinicius and Rodrygo.

So could a transfer actually happen this summer? Yes, actually.

Real Madrid are a bit desperate after finishing last season trophyless. Their defence, in particular, looks sub-par, with Dean Huijsen, still a young player and one who hasn’t been a player in a leading side before, their best option.

They may well reach a point where success looks difficult to achieve without an elite addition there. Konate, with just one year remaining on his contract, would be far and away their best option.

But that would mean Liverpool wanting to sell. It’s possible they reach that point if a deal can be done for Marc Guehi, who also has just one year left on his deal.

Real Madrid are only willing to put up around €25m, however, which makes it difficult when Crystal Palace want significantly more than that for their captain. Liverpool are only going to sell Konate if they can effectively replace him for free immediately, as they will be able to do next summer.

So there’s a long way to go here. It’s certainly bold to leave a space for Konate when a deal isn’t remotely close, but perhaps it’s a sign that Real Madrid are more open to negotiation than first thought.