Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has reportedly requested the club to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. According to Catalan news outlet E-Noticies (via TeamTALK), the French forward has 'personally recommended' his countryman to Los Blancos' president Florentino Perez.
Konate arrived at Anfield as an exciting young centre-back, signed for a reported €40 million fee from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in July 2021. Working his way up the ranks at the club, he is now considered one of the best centre-backs in world football.
Renowned for his physical strength, blistering speed and aerial prowess, he has made 148 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions. He played a crucial role in helping the Merseysiders win the 2024-25 Premier League title, as well as two EFL Cup titles and an FA Cup title.
With Konate's contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, a host of world-class clubs have lined up for his signature. Real Madrid's pursuit of the 26-year-old star has been well-documented, with Marca claiming that he is the club's top defensive target.
E-Noticies' report asserts that Mbappe, who has made 21 appearances for France alongside Konate, has put in a personal word about a potential move for the defender. The report further claims that the message has come after the forward ‘saw firsthand that Konate is a true defensive wall’ in Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield (November 4).
While Konate would be a valuable addition to the Merengues' defensive stocks, there will certainly be concerns over his injury history. Although he only turned 26 a few months ago, he has already missed over 110 games for club and country due to a multitude of injuries.
"I hope he'll get back to his best" - Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe makes claim about ex-Premier League star and France teammate
Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe has claimed that he is hopeful that former Manchester United and France star Paul Pogba can get his career back on track.
After failing a drug test while playing for Juventus in October 2023, Pogba received a provisional suspension from playing football. In February 2024, he received a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal, but he successfully appealed and reduced the ban period to 18 months.
He made his much-awaited return earlier this year, signing a two-year contract with AS Monaco in June 2025. However, he is yet to take the field for the principality side due to a lack of match sharpness and a recently-suffered ankle injury.
In an interview with TF1, Mbappe, who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup alongside Pogba (41 appearances together for France), expressed hope that his compatriot will be back in action sooner than later. The Real Madrid forward said (via United in Focus h/t Onze Mondial):
"We talk often, I hope he'll get back to his best. I think a lot of people are placing a lot of hope in his return. I think he’s a player who gives a different feeling, a player who has never left anyone indifferent. And I think his story, because of his journey and what he's been through in recent years, is quite moving. We want a positive ending for him, to believe that he’ll get his life and career back on track."
Up next, Mbappe will be seen in action in France's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiying fixture against Ukraine on Thursday (November 13).