Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a Bosman agreement for Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, which they hope to secure in January.
Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation at Liverpool with growing interest, as they weigh up a pre-contract agreement for the French defender ahead of the 2026 summer window.
The 26-year-old centre-back has become one of Liverpool’s most trusted defensive options in recent years, but with his contract set to expire in just under 18 months, the Merengues are quietly laying the groundwork for a potential free transfer coup.
Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso see Ibrahima Konate as a defensive pillar
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xabi Alonso, widely expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu next summer, has identified Konate as the kind of athletic, composed, and commanding defender who could anchor Real Madrid’s backline for years to come.
Konate’s valuation stands at €60 million, but should Liverpool fail to extend his deal before January 2026, Real Madrid would be legally allowed to negotiate directly with the player, securing him on a free transfer for the 2026/27 season.
It is a strategy Real Madrid have used to great effect in recent years, signing the likes of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and more recently Trent Alexander-Arnold in a similar fashion. The Reds will not have forgotten that.
Liverpool must act or risk losing a key asset again
From a Liverpool standpoint, this news serves as a timely wake-up call. With Virgil van Dijk approaching the twilight of his career and defensive depth being a topic of concern, losing Konate without a fee would be a massive blow, both financially and tactically.
The Spanish club’s hierarchy will likely be forced to make a decision soon: either begin negotiations to extend Konate’s contract beyond 2026, or risk watching one of Europe’s biggest clubs lure him away on a free.
Although the French international has not publicly expressed any desire to leave, the opportunity to join Real Madrid, especially under a manager like Alonso and in a team chasing UEFA Champions League glory, could be hard to turn down.
As things stand, Liverpool still hold the cards. With a season remaining, there is time to secure a renewal and protect their investment while also adding to an already title-winning roster. But Real Madrid’s calculated patience means any delay could prove costly.
The next few months could define Konate’s long-term future, and Liverpool must act swiftly if they want to avoid being blindsided by a scenario that has already played out too many times across Europe. Surely, they will have learnt their lessons from the Trent saga.