Real Madrid would have convinced Ibrahima Konaté, the defensive star of Liverpool, to join him as a free agent next summer.
Xabi Alonso has focused on his defense in recent months, with the arrival of three new defenders, notably Trent Alexander-Arnold, former Konaté teammate, who arrived in Madrid.
Alvaro Carreras also joined the club to strengthen Alonso's options at the left -back post, with the arrival of the Spanish international Dean Huijsen as a long -term option in the post of central defender.
However, faced with persistent concerns about Antonio Rüdiger's long -term status in the Spanish capital, Konaté is the number 1 target of the Liga giant.
Konaté has been in contract extensions in Merseyside since the beginning of 2025, his current contract expiring at the end of the 2025/26 season, and the club management wishes a response before the end of August.
Konaté is in contract extensions
Liverpool is desperately looking to avoid a free departure from Konaté in 2026, but this is what Real Madrid plans for him.
According to the latest information from Daily Mirror, Liverpool has now admitted his defeat as to his ability to keep Konaté, the French star who accepted the offer presented by Real Madrid to his representatives.
Real Madrid will be able to officially start negotiations in January, but it will remain in the Arne Slot workforce, no transfer compensation to be paid before the deadline of September 1.
Liverpool wanted 35 million pounds sterling to sell him Konaté, but Real Madrid did not want to pay more than 21 million pounds sterling, the agreement failed.
The position of Konaté being now well established, Liverpool should continue his efforts to recruit Captain of Crystal Palace, Marc Guehi, whose contract also expires in 2026.
The English international could land in Anfield before the transfer date, Palace wishing to obtain compensation of around 30 million pounds sterling to avoid a similar free departure in 2026.
Liverpool should also make an offer of 130 million pounds sterling for Alexander Isak on the day of the transfer date, after Newcastle United entered the recruitment of the German international Nick Woltemade.
