Liverpool
Mick Brown
Thu 22 May 2025 11:00, UK
Real Madrid could push towards a deal for Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate following their deal to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old is on Madrid’s list of targets at centre-back.
Following their agreement with Huijsen, Los Blancos are aiming to sign a second top-level defender before next season and have set their focus on the Premier League.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Real Madrid are “very interested” in Konate, while he is also on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain.
After contract talks with the France international have stalled, he will have just one year remaining on his deal come next month and could be allowed to leave.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Madrid want to sign Arsenal’s William Saliba, but the Gunners have opened contract talks to convince him to stay.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate could leave Liverpool this summer. (Credit: Imago)
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Real Madrid eye Ibrahima Konate after Xabi Alonso twist
Xabi Alonso is expected to step into the Madrid dugout to replace Carlo Ancelotti this summer, and Brown told Football Insider Alonso could use contacts to sign Liverpool stars.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted Konate is the latest on their extensive list of summer targets.
“Konate is a name I’ve seen in connection with Real Madrid,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve got a list of targets because it’s a position they still want to strengthen in, but it will depend on what they think they need from their centre-halves.
“They want a top-class option, so of course they’ll be looking in the Premier League.
“Madrid want to dominate their domestic games, and Konate could help them do that.
“The issue I’ve got about him is he has made the odd mistakes during his time at Liverpool.
“If you’re dominating games you can get away with that more often, it’s not as big of an issue, but if it’s a tight game you can’t afford that.
“After signing Huijsen, they want somebody with a bit more experience to come in alongside him.
“Their injured players will come back, but they want to strengthen as well, so I expect they’ll be pushing ahead with new signings and Konate could well be one of them.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Arne Slot is set for a busy summer window. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Real Madrid and Barcelona join Liverpool in Adam Wharton race
While there has been plenty of talk about potential departures from Anfield this summer, they have also set their sights on incoming trasfers.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has been on the Reds’ radar after the Eagles’ FA Cup victory, as they aim to bolster their midfield.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Wharton ticks plenty of boxes for Liverpool and is a player Slot would like to add to his squad.
However, Brown told Football Insider that Real Madrid are also interested in Wharton, while Barcelona have also been keeping tabs on his progress.
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