Report: Liverpool in danger of losing second player to Real Madrid once Alexander-Arnold deal is wrapped up
01/24/2025 03:00 PM
Liverpool fans know exactly what it feels like to have their biggest stars poached by Spain’s two biggest clubs.
The Reds have witnessed Barcelona lure Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho away from Anfield, while Real Madrid have rocked up to Merseyside and left with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Michael Owen and Steve McManaman.
Those were different times as Liverpool were not very competitive in both England and Europe, so it was hard to fault any stars leaving in search of silverware.
Nowadays, things are a little different, as the Reds are back competing at the top of European football and the Merseyside club is certainly one of the best places to play football at present.
Real Madrid are showing strong interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the summer transfer window but it is hard for Liverpool fans to understand why the defender would want to leave.
The England international is not the only Reds’ talent the Spanish giants have their eyes on as the La Liga champions are monitoring the contract situation of another member of Arne Slot’s squad.
Real Madrid showing interest in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate has been one of Liverpool’s best signings in recent years having joined the club in 2022 from RB Leipzig.
The French star is the future of the Reds’ defence having already racked up an impressive 112 appearances for the Merseyside club and has the potential to be captain somewhere down the line.
The only worry is that Konate’s Liverpool contract expires in 2026 and there has been no progress on a new deal despite talks getting underway earlier in the season.
Real Madrid are believed to be monitoring the centre-back’s situation at Anfield as the Spanish giants look for a replacement for Eder Militao due to concerns over his long-term fitness.
According to CaughtOffside, Real Madrid have begun circling the defender and have been following Konate closely as part of their strategy to strengthen their back four, regardless of whether they managed to land Trent Alexander-Arnold or not.
Liverpool are believed to still be confident that the French star will pen new terms at Anfield and that is an outcome the 25-year-old also desires.
- READ MORE: Arne Slot shares whether Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones will be fit for Liverpool against Ipswich
Latest on Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Lille on Tuesday, Konate responded with "this is another conversation" when asked about whether he was close to signing a new deal at Anfield.
This raised doubts over his future, however, Melissa Reddy has reported that Konate is keen to stay at Liverpool and the delay over a new contract could be down to the centre-back waiting to see what the Merseyside club offer Virgil van Dijk.
Konate has been playing with painkillers for Liverpool in recent games which shows how much he is committed to helping Slot’s team succeed.
It is key for the future of the Premier League leaders that they tie the 25-year-old down to a new long-term contract as it will be hard to find a replacement for the talented centre-back.
