In a match considered a true indicator of the team’s condition at the start of the new season, Real Madrid experienced a clear technical slump against a more consistent and experienced opponent, exposing an unexpected gap in one of the most sensitive areas of the Whites’ squad.
This scenario was unforeseen, both by the club’s management and the fans, who had anticipated the Merengues’ progression to the Club World Cup final amid high hopes for an exceptional season. However, what transpired on the pitch altered expectations and opened the door to an urgent reassessment—particularly in the defensive line.
Related topics
According to sources from the Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid’s management has already begun outlining the framework of a high-profile defensive deal, which could become one of the most significant moves of the upcoming summer transfer window—and may carry a major surprise, given the identity of the player involved and the circumstances surrounding him.
The top name on the club’s shortlist is French defender Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool’s center-back, who is approaching the final year of his contract. This situation presents a difficult dilemma for the English club, especially after the player rejected a second contract renewal offer.
Reliable sources have confirmed that Konaté is eager for a new challenge and is open to the prospect of joining Real Madrid. With just one season remaining on his current deal, he will be eligible to leave as a free agent in the summer of 2026—an opportunity that Real Madrid is strategically preparing to capitalize on.
The player’s situation is reminiscent of that of his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also chose to leave for free after his contract expired, amid significant changes within the Reds’ squad.
Konaté’s desire not to miss this opportunity, and his belief that he will be at an ideal age (27) by the end of his contract, increases the likelihood of a successful move—especially since Real Madrid is in search of a defender with strong European experience, technical proficiency, and tactical discipline.
So far, no official action has been taken, but the atmosphere within the club’s leadership strongly indicates that Konaté has emerged as a strategic priority for the next phase—and this smart, calculated move could become one of the defining headlines of the 2026 summer transfer window if everything proceeds as planned.
