Real Madrid are reportedly considering reigniting their interest in Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman was on the club's shortlist last summer but they ruled out a move even with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Konate was one of the most highly-rated defenders in the Premier League at the time. He'd just helped Arne Slot's Reds win the Premier League and formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
This season has been a disappointing one for Konate, who has been extremely mistake-prone and vulnerable. It has coincided with a shocking nosedive for the Merseyside giants who are out of the title race and could turn to Xabi Alonso to replace Slot if Champions League football isn't achieved for the 2026-27 campaign.
Real Madrid could reconsider Konate
Konate's financial demands were the main reason that Madrid had dropped their interest in the French center-back. He sits on purported wages of £70,000 at Liverpool and is believed to be demanding £200,000 per week (via TEAMtalk).
According to Rodra of ESPN, Madrid could yet revisit a move for the Frenchman if he is prepared to lower his wage demands. He is still set to become a free agent as things stand and the La Liga giants could reunite him with his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Unlike Konate, Alexander-Arnold was signed at a time when he was regarded as one of the best full-backs in Europe. His playmaking abilities along with his set-piece reliability made him a perfect option at right-back especially on a free transfer albeit paying a fee for him to participate at the Club World Cup.
Konate has been one of the most dissapointing players in England this season and his performances are a real concern. He has appeared 23 times in the league, and made three errors leading to a shot aswell as giving away a penalty.
Madrid need a calm and composed prescence at the back not someone who can act erracticly as has been the case for Konate as of late. If a potential move was to be on the cards last summer it would have been a great solution to the defensive issue but right now his wage demands along with his form should rule him out.
Liverpool might have replaced Konate
Liverpool's signing of Jeremy Jacquet only further highlights why Konate might be the wrong target for Madrid. The Premier League heavyweights have paid £60m to bring the young French center-back from Rennes to Anfield in the summer.
That indicates the English side are preparing for a Konate exit but even if he stays he might not be an undisputable starter. The Reds had already signed another long-term defender in Giovanni Leoni and many feel the Italian will partner Jacquet for years to come.
Konate does have some excellent attributes which could help Madrid including his strength, aerial ability and experience. But to sign a player in the midst of his worst season at his current club is worrying.