Xabi Alonso during a Real Madrid training session
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is supposedly being eyed up by Real Madrid ahead of next summer, as the Spanish giant's new transfer policy takes shape.
According to MARCA, Real Madrid is lining up a move for Konate, but only if his Liverpool contract runs down to the point of expiration in 2026. It is also hoping to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, with both targets representing two strands of a new-look strategy.
In recent times, Real Madrid has picked up the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba for no transfer fee. It would have done the same for Trent Alexander-Arnold were it not for the Club World Cup, with the La Liga giant instead having to pay a fee to Liverpool to sign him early — in a deal essentially worth around $13 million (£10 million) to the Reds.
Dean Huijsen ($68 million/£50 million) and Franco Mastantuono ($52 million/£38 million) have been signed by Real Madrid this summer for significant fees, but the report says that is the plan moving forward: Madrid will either spend big on huge talents or target free agents.
"You know, I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake," Konate told reporters, including from the ECHO, after the final game of the season.
"I didn't even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it.
"The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end... I want this, all of it, is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: 'Ah, they have more information than me!?'
Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a new contract with Liverpool
"It was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen."
Konate proved last season that he was capable of playing a large volume of minutes without getting injured. But the Frenchman will need to pen new terms sooner rather than later if he wants to avoid being asked about his future for the next few months.
"First thing, I am very happy because we have won the Premier League trophy and we lifted it today," Konate continued. "We have to enjoy it, have a rest, and hopefully next season will be better than this.
"Today, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here to be fair, you know.
The German midfielder is expected to complete a stunning £116million move to England from Bayer Leverkusen.Aaliyah has been hailed as the 'prettiest woman'The midfielder is expected to join Liverpool in a record transferShe stunned in a Germany shirt at the Euros last summerWirtz, 22, is expected to add more excitement to the pitch at Anfield next season, while his partner Aaliyah will be add...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal hold meeting with Viktor Gyokeres' agent Liverpool Now "They only brag about their UCLs" lol Joshua couldn't keep up the pressure Senegoal? ThisPlease stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, NoContextChe1, originaltrollfootball, PL__OOC)...
FOOTBALL is set to live up to its beautiful game tag at this summer's Club World Cup.A whopping 32 teams are heading to the US for the revamped tournament that begins on June 15.And some of the most glam Wags from across the planet are ready to steal the show in the stands.From models, TV presenters and actresses, SunSport runs down those most likely to catch the eye.Manchester CityAfter months of...
Liverpool seal record Wirtz dealLiverpool have secured a deal to sign Florian Wirtz for a British record €150m fee.Fabrizio Romano reports that the German will now head to Merseyside for a medical as he closes in on a move from Bayer Leverkusen.Gittens named in Dortmund squadJamie Gittens has been named in Borussia Dortmund's squad for the Club World Cup, after a move to Chelsea fell through...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Neuer vs Auckland City Fabrizio Romano when asked about the Ballon d'Or. lol Oh no This Rayan X Cherki They knew he wouldn’t save it …Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, FootballWTF247, originaltrollfootball, PL__OOC, MaguireSkills)...
Paris Saint-Germain had arguably the most dominant Champions League final win in the tournament's history.Beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the Munich final, it is a performance that will be talked about for many years to come.With a core of exciting young players, this PSG side could dominate Europe for years.The city of Paris finally has a European champion, and their team is expected to go from streng...
The Italian champs laid down the law to Manchester rivals City and United over deals for their exiled wingers.Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summerAlejandro Garnacho is like to depart Old TraffordUnited want £70m for Garnacho but are yet to receive an offer for the 20-year-old Argentina international.However, City will be prepared to accept a fee of around £45m for Grealish, 29...
Arteta makes transfer decision on Arsenal defensive duoArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reached the decision over the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori, with the defensive duo finding themselves on AC Milan's radar.Man Utd eye Atalanta goalkeeper Carnesecchi to replace OnanaThe Red Devils have set their sights on Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi as they continue their quest to...
Spain v France - UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-finalRayan Cherki has laid out his ambitions after joining Manchester City and has set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or. WHAT HAPPENED?New Manchester City signing Cherki has already set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or at his new club, with the young attacking midfielder sharing his ambition of following in the footsteps of fellow team-mate ...
Athletic Club v Rangers FC - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second LegAthletic Club have sent a warning to Barcelona over their pursuit of Nico Williams telling La Blaugrana to meet the player's release clause. FBL-EUR-C3-ATHLETIC BILBAO-ROMAWHAT HAPPENED?The seemingly never-ending transfer saga between Williams and La Blaugrana took another turn this week, as representatives of Athletic...
- 1 Portugal vs France Prediction 12 June 2025
- 2 Bryan Mbeumo 'picks between Man Utd and Tottenham' as transfer agreement struck
- 3 Bayer Leverkusen interested in shock move for Jack Grealish
- 4 Brazil vs Paraguay Prediction 11 June 2025
- 5 Thomas Frank 'agrees' to take Tottenham job as Daniel Levy closes in on appointment
- 6 Harvey Elliott opens door to Liverpool exit
- 7 Bonnie Blue banned from adult site as controversial stunt 'crossed the line'
- 8 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 9 Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk opens up on retirement plans
- 10 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack