Ibrahima Konate could be set to join former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid, with reports claiming the Spanish club has accelerated talks ahead of a potential summer move
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
19:24, 27 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold is enduring a difficult time at Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold is enduring a difficult time at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on the verge of a reunion with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate at Real Madrid.
Last summer, Alexander-Arnold traded Anfield for the Bernabeu after running down his contract. Now, his former defensive partner Konate is also rumored to be considering a potential free transfer to the La Liga outfit.
Much like the Liverpool academy product, Konate's contract is set to expire this summer, which would allow him to make a cost-free move to the Spanish capital. These rumors have surfaced despite earlier reports suggesting Real had lost interest in him. But the situation may have shifted as Real reportedly has concerns about the fitness of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao.
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Spanish media outlet Cadena SER suggests that Konate is among a lengthy list of potential replacements for the aforementioned trio.
It's been reported that Madrid has been ramping up its communications with prospective signings ahead of the summer.
Konate has had a challenging season, having played a crucial role last term when Arne Slot guided the Reds to Premier League glory during the manager's debut campaign.
Ibrahima Konate could leave Liverpool in similar circumstances to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Ibrahima Konate could leave Liverpool in similar circumstances to Trent Alexander-Arnold(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold also contributed to the victory, despite departing the club amid contentious circumstances. Additionally, reports from Spain have suggested uncertainty surrounding his future with Madrid.
Following Xabi Alonso's dismissal, it was claimed that current manager Alvaro Arbeloa had informed him he does not feature in his long-term plans.
However, this assertion has been widely challenged by conflicting reports from the Daily Mail, which stated there is "no truth" to those claims.
Regardless, the campaign has certainly fallen short of his expectations before joining the club.
He has featured in 11 matches throughout the season, excluding this summer's Club World Cup, where he registered two assists across five games.
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At the beginning of December, he sustained a muscular quadricep injury during the win over Athletic Bilbao. He has been absent from the squad for over two months.
Furthermore, Real manager Arbeloa has also been utilizing midfielder Fede Valverde in the right-back position and can now rely on club captain Dani Carvajal, who has returned to fitness.
Taking all this into account, it could prove a significant challenge for the England international.