Chelsea will need to strengthen in multiple positions across the pitch this summer. This is a team that has finished 10th in the Premier League and won’t play in Europe next season, when nine other English teams will. So, the need to improve must be clear. And most of us know what needs to be added to this roster.
For years, fans have been calling out for some proven experience and a winning mentality to be added to the mix at Chelsea. Those traits have been largely overlooked under BlueCo in favour of youth and potential. Hopefully, with Xabi Alonso having a say on transfer matters, that will change.
The spine of the team needs to be rebuilt. Whether Alonso goes with three at the back or a traditional four-man backline, Chelsea will need to add to their centre-back options. Levi Colwill’s return has boosted their defence but he needs a capable partner beside him. And the Blues may have the chance to bring in someone for free.
According to [Graeme Bailey](https://x.com/GraemeBailey/status/2060094293595795658), Ibrahima Konate and Liverpool have failed to reach an agreement over a new contract. The French centre-back will leave Anfield this summer.
It is safe to say that Konate is a proven centre-back in the Premier League. As a starter, we have seen Liverpool win the competition after all.
Yes, this has not been a great season for the Reds. But that does not take away from the quality of some of their players.
Konate remains one of the best in the defensive phase of the game and he would raise the bar immediately for Chelsea. Also, being right-footed, he would be a natural fit alongside Colwill in the heart of the Chelsea defence.
The numbers show that Konate has remained solid at the back when compared to other Premier League centre-backs. But at the same time, he is more than decent enough with the ball at his feet as well.
Konate is in the 90th percentile or above when it comes to successful passes, duels won, % of duels won, aerial duels won, % of aerial duels won, touches, tackles and fouls won. Yes, he has a few weaknesses, but anybody else Chelsea end up signing will as well.
When you take into account his Premier League experience and history of winning trophies, it feels like he ticks most of the boxes that Chelsea will be looking for this summer. It would fit the definition of a ‘ready-made’ player perfectly.
So, signing Konate, especially as a free agent, would be a no-brainer for a club like Chelsea. That being said, it is not going to be simple.
[Real Madrid](https://readchelsea.com/2026/05/28/chelsea-contact-former-real-madrid-midfielder/) have been linked with a move for Konate for months as well. They have a history of signing top free agents. And the way this has played out, something might be in the works behind the scenes already.
Just last summer, we saw Trent Alexander-Arnold end up at Real Madrid from Liverpool in a similar fashion. In the past, there have been plenty of other examples like Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and more.