Liverpool informed the merengue team about the price for the French centre-back.
Liverpool have been clear with Real Madrid: if they want Ibrahima Konaté this summer, they will have to make an offer of €50 million. The English club are not considering a discount for their starting defender, while those at Valdebebas are considering whether it is worth speeding up the operation or waiting until the player becomes free in 2026. Although the French centre-back has already shown a willingness to don the white shirt, the Real Madrid board is not willing to pay that sum under the current circumstances.
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Real Madrid’s recent elimination in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, with a hard-fought 4-0 loss to PSG, has left its mark on the dressing room and technical team. Xabi Alonso sees it as urgent to strengthen the defensive line, and Konaté is emerging as one of the most important options for reinforcing the back line. Still, Liverpool’s tough stance could delay the plans.
Real Madrid can’t reach that amount for Ibrahima Konaté
Konaté, 26 years old, is considered one of the most physical and reliable centre-backs in Europe. His performances at Anfield have been consistent and have attracted interest from several of the continent’s big clubs. In Madrid, they see him as an ideal piece to take a step further in the defensive renewal that started with signings such as Antonio Rüdiger and, more recently, Dean Huijsen.
Despite their interest, those at Chamartín are aware that the player prioritizes becoming part of the Madrid project, which gives them an advantage if they wait until his contract expires. For now, the ball is in Liverpool’s court. If they don’t lower their financial demands, Real Madrid are willing to play on their patience and secure his arrival for free in two years.
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