Real Madrid Confidencial After Alexander-Arnold, this will be Real Madrid's next free signing
Konaté, Liverpool's center-back, is entering his final contract year and has rejected contract renewal offers, potentially leaving on a free transfer
Real Madrid is already planning its next major free signing. As it already did with Alexander-Arnold this season, it will do so by taking advantage of the contract situation of a Liverpool star: Ibrahima Konaté.
The French center-back will enter his final contract year on June 30. As of today, he has refused to renew with the English club. This scenario has set off all the alarms at Anfield and has sparked the interest of the Madrid board.
Konaté could become a free agent in 2026. If he doesn't renew, he could negotiate with any club starting in January. That's where Real Madrid comes into play, as it closely monitors these kinds of opportunities.
The Alexander-Arnold case set a precedent. Only the Club World Cup caused Madrid to pay a symbolic amount (about 10 million euros), but he was about to leave Liverpool for free. Madrid knows that these kinds of deals require patience and discretion.
Calafat's silent work
Juni Calafat, head of international scouting for the Madrid club, has already gotten to work. His team has been following Konaté for some time. They are waiting for the right moment to act if the player decides not to continue in the Premier League.
Madrid won't force anything. As it has done on other occasions, it will wait for the player to become a free agent. At that point, it could make an offer without needing to negotiate with the original club.
A profile that fits
Konaté is highly regarded in Valdebebas. His physical profile, his power in challenges, and his experience in big matches make him a very interesting target. At just 26 years old, he still has room for improvement and already knows elite soccer.
The club considers him an ideal option to strengthen the center of the defense in the medium term. Even more so if the deal can be closed without paying a transfer fee.
For now, the center-back remains firm in his decision not to renew. Liverpool is trying to convince him, but the exit door is open, and Madrid is watching closely. Florentino's next move could be another free signing.
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