Real Madrid have built a reputation for patiently waiting for the right moment to sign high-profile stars on free transfers. This strategy has helped them land marquee names like David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe in recent seasons.
Los Blancos have already identified a target for the summer of 2026. While they are closing in on the signature of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the team in white also have their eyes set on another Liverpool star. According to a report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Ibrahima Konate for free ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Konate made a name for himself at RB Leipzig before joining the Merseyside club in the summer of 2021. He has since gone from strength to strength and has established himself as one of the mainstays at Anfield. He has been a constant feature at the back for Arne Slot’s team and has played a big part in their Premier League triumph this season.
While the 25-year-old French centre-back has a prominent role in the team, his future has been a big talking point in recent months. Konate’s current deal at Liverpool runs out in the summer of 2026 and he hasn’t shown any willingness to pen a new deal.
His wage demands have become a massive headache for people at the Merseyside club and they feel he might have his heart set on running down his deal and securing a free transfer away from the club.
Real Madrid have emerged as a potential destination for the French international. Los Blancos have made quite a name for themselves by signing top stars for free and they want to continue in a similar fashion going forward.
They are all set to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for free and have started working on a deal to sign his teammate Konate in 12 months.
They see him as an ideal fit for their project as he is young and is already playing at an elite club. He could add much-needed quality as well as depth to their back line. Signing for free could be a massive boost for them. But they could face competition from Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s team also have their eyes set on the 25-year-old. They consider him an ideal fit for the Spanish manager’s system and are keeping a close eye on his situation at Anfield. They could pounce on any opportunity to add him to their ranks on a Bosman move.
