Real Madrid have identified Ibrahima Konate as their priority target after consulting with their chief scout, Juni Calafat.
Real Madrid have already started planning for the summer of 2026. They want to add more quality to their backline and have identified a few top players who could be available on a free transfer.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano are at the top of their wishlist. President Florentino Perez has turned to his chief scout, Juni Calafat, for input on who Madrid should prioritise. According to a report from DefensaCentral, Los Blancos have identified Konate as the top target based on Calafat’s recommendation.
Both Upamecano and Konate have entered the final year of their contract at their respective clubs. The Spanish giants have a great reputation for snapping up top talent on a free transfer, and they have already started working towards a potential transfer.
They will prioritise the signing of the Liverpool mainstay, while the Bayern Munich star will remain a backup option for them in case they fail to land Konate. The 26-year-old French international has been a part of the Merseyside club since the summer of 2021.
He has formed a dependable partnership with Virgil van Dijk and is one of the first names on their team sheet under Arne Slot. While he is an integral part of their plans and is enjoying life at Anfield, he seems keen on taking the next step in his career.
His contract runs out at the end of the ongoing season. While the Reds have already made multiple attempts to extend his stay, he has turned down all offers. With him not willing to pen an extension, Los Blancos are confident about securing his services. There is an increasing belief at the club that he wants to sign for them.
While the Spanish giants added Dean Huijsen in the recently concluded transfer window, they will need more quality options going forward, as David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger could both leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.
Since Madrid have multiple options for the position, Perez decided to consult his chief scout, Calafat, who presented reports suggesting Konate is the best fit for the club. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is a massive admirer of the French centre-back and has already given the green light to the move. If all goes according to plan, the 26-year-old could follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold.