Real Madrid Confidencial The condition Real Madrid sets to sign Konaté: the price is the least of their concerns
The club will only execute Konaté's signing this summer if Alaba decides to leave, freeing up his salary and a spot in the squad
Ibrahima Konaté is highly regarded at Real Madrid. The French center-back from Liverpool has been on Madrid's radar for some time. His name comes up strongly in every sports planning meeting, but there's one detail that changes everything: David Alaba.
The club will only go for Konaté this summer if Alaba frees up his spot. It's that simple. Without the Austrian's departure, there won't be a signing and it's not a matter of money.
Madrid could pay the €50 million Liverpool are asking for if they considered it a priority. But they don't see it as necessary yet.
Konaté is under contract until 2026 and doesn't want to renew. His plan is to leave, as others have done, when he becomes a free agent. At zero cost and his desired destination is clear: Santiago Bernabéu.
Madrid won't force Alaba
According to Defensa Central, the club fully respects Alaba. He's under contract until 2026 and, although his performance has dropped after his serious knee injury, he's a very well-liked player. He won't be pushed to leave this summer or in the winter.
Alaba is considering his options. He isn't ruling out fulfilling the year he has left, but he also isn't closing the door on seeking a new destination. If an offer comes along that convinces him, he could leave and that's when the Konaté plan would be activated.
Konaté wants to play at Madrid
The French center-back is 26 years old, stands 6 ft. 4 in. (1.94 m) tall, and is in his footballing prime. Madrid see him as a market opportunity. Because of his physique, age, and contract situation, he fits perfectly.
In Liverpool, they know he doesn't want to renew and that's why they're looking for offers. Transfermarkt values him at €60 million. Liverpool would accept a bit less, but Madrid aren't in a hurry and don't plan to pay more than €25 million.
Signing this summer? Only if Alaba leaves. Otherwise, they'll wait until 2026. Just as they did with Rüdiger, as they did with Alaba or with Arnold this summer.
This is how Florentino Pérez operates, without urgency, but with a very clear objective. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso wants another center-back.
The defeat against PSG in the Club World Cup raised doubts. Huijsen wasn't there, and on top of that, Rüdiger and Asencio didn't shine; quite the opposite, they were singled out.
Konaté is on the list and is ready. All that's left is for the door to open.
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