In a fresh concern for Liverpool, Real Madrid are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign another one of Arne Slot's stars alongside Ibrahima Konate in 2026.
Update on Konate's Liverpool future
It's an all too familiar story for Liverpool. In fact, it's one that they just experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fullback opted out of signing a new deal and instead joined Real Madrid. Now, Konate could be about to follow in his footsteps. The Frenchman has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal and is yet to put pen to paper amid interest from the Spanish giants.
Reports have even suggested that Real Madrid could come knocking as soon as January, just like they did for Alexander-Arnold. Last time out, the Reds rejected their early, cheap offer. Whether they are willing to lose another player for free instead of cashing in for the second year running remains to be seen, however.
For all of Liverpool's excellent business, securing Konate's future would be one of their best deals of the season. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 years old and in the first year of his two-year contract extension, the torch is very much ready to be passed to the Frenchman. It's just up to him whether he accepts it or joins Alexander-Arnold in Madrid.
It's no real surprise that those in Spain are so keen to secure his signature, either. Konate is at the peak of his powers and would instantly replace the ageing Antonio Rudiger. But it's not just the defender that Madrid want to steal from Anfield. Reports are now suggesting that they've got another player in mind.
Real Madrid now eyeing Gravenberch move
According to reports in Spain, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are now eyeing a move to sign Ryan Gravenberch alongside Konate in 2026. The midfielder has picked up where he left off last season in the current campaign and has looked better than ever at the heart of Liverpool's midfield. That was always going to grab Madrid's attention.
Unlike Konate, however, it won't be a cheap deal for Gravenberch. The Dutchman is reportedly valued at €75m (£65m) in a price that is only likely to increase as he continues to make the Reds tick.
Gravenberch-Liverpool
Full of praise for Liverpool's surprise package last season, former defender Jamie Carragher said: “Probably the biggest surprise this season is not just him as a player, because a lot of players have an average first season and they grow in the second.
“But he’s playing a completely different role, a holding midfield position that Liverpool have been trying to sign someone in for about two or three seasons. I don’t see anyone taking his role, I think he’s nailed that position as Liverpool’s No 6.”