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Liverpool are reportedly set to hold talks with Ibrahima Konate’s representatives this week in what could be a final attempt to secure the defender on a new contract.
The France international is in the final year of his deal at Anfield, having joined from RB Leipzig for £36m in the summer of 2021. Despite a dip in form this season, Konate remains a regular for France and has played a key role in Liverpool’s recent trophy successes.
Negotiations over an extension began in autumn 2024 but have yet to produce a breakthrough. With just months left in the season, uncertainty over his future remains.
Real Madrid are already planning ahead for the summer of 2026 as they look to bolster their defence, with long-term replacements needed for Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. The Spanish giants have previously explored moves for defenders such as Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi, though none of those pursuits were successful.
The recent moves of Marc Guehi to Manchester City and Dayot Upamecano to Bayern Munich have significantly narrowed Real Madrid’s defensive options.
Los Blancos are keen to replicate the success of previous free-agent signings in that area, with both Alaba and Rudiger having arrived at the club on free transfers and gone on to perform at a high level.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid are monitoring Como defender Jacobo Ramon and academy graduate Joan Martinez. Martinez is regarded as a standout talent within the club, while Ramon is earning regular minutes under Cesc Fabregas.
The club have long been reluctant to enter costly bidding wars for players nearing the end of their contracts, particularly when competition from Europe’s elite is fierce. Instead, Madrid prefer to wait for contracts to run down and secure free transfers – a strategy that is becoming increasingly common in the modern game.
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