As the summer transfer window looms and contract deadlines tighten, Europe’s top clubs are gearing up for another high-stakes season of player chess and Real Madrid may be plotting one of the most strategic moves of all. According to Marca, the Spanish giants are setting their sights on Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, with hopes of signing the French defender on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.
Real Madrid’s Smart Strategy: Waiting for Konaté’s Contract to Expire
At 26, Konaté is entering the prime of his career. Since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, the commanding centre-half has impressed with his pace, physicality, and ability to thrive in high-pressure games — including Champions League clashes and Premier League battles. With just one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, Real Madrid are watching closely, reportedly positioning themselves to swoop in without paying a transfer fee next summer.
For Real Madrid, it’s a calculated move. With veterans like Nacho and Dani Carvajal aging and David Alaba recovering from long-term injury, the club’s backline requires fresh blood. Konaté, with top-level experience and no transfer fee, represents both value and quality a combination Florentino Pérez rarely passes up.
Liverpool’s Dilemma: Extend or Let Go?
While Madrid monitor the situation, Liverpool have a decision to make. Will they offer Konaté a contract extension before the January window opens? Or will they risk losing a key defender for free a scenario that could reignite the frustrations of past transfer losses?
The Reds are reportedly assessing their defensive structure, especially after injury plagued seasons and the transitional phase under manager Arne Slot. Keeping Konaté could be crucial to Liverpool’s rebuild but negotiations will likely be shaped by the player’s ambitions and desire for silverware.
Arsenal, Manchester United, and PSG in Forward Chase
While Konaté headlines Madrid’s wishlist, other Premier League clubs are deeply entangled in transfer discussions of their own:
- Arsenal are weighing their options between Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. Though both are formidable attackers, the Gunners reportedly feel Gyökeres’ price tag is steep and may turn to Šeško or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins instead.
- Manchester United may see Rasmus Højlund depart as Inter Milan circle with intent, though the Red Devils are expected to keep hold of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Meanwhile, they’ve initiated talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, hinting at a reshuffling of their forward line.
- Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are said to be monitoring United winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, after he was reportedly told to seek a new club — a surprising development for one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents.
Osimhen, Zinchenko, Ter Stegen, and More
The transfer buzz doesn’t stop there:
- Al-Hilal have tabled a mega offer for Victor Osimhen, with a reported annual salary of £42.6 million, as the Saudi club continues its aggressive recruitment drive.
- AC Milan are in talks with Arsenal over defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, while PSG have reportedly agreed personal terms with Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi.
- Barcelona’s veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen could be on the move as Galatasaray make an offer, and Porto are looking to sign Southampton’s teenage winger Tyler Dibling.
What It All Means: A Summer of Strategic Moves
If Real Madrid land Konaté next summer on a free, it could represent one of the smartest defensive acquisitions of the post-pandemic era — especially if his form continues to rise. For Liverpool, the next few months may be pivotal. Lose Konaté without compensation, and questions will be raised about squad planning and contract management.
Meanwhile, clubs across Europe are clearly preparing for a new cycle, seeking balance between experience and youth, cost and quality. With stars like Garnacho, Osimhen, and Ekitike all in play, the 2025 summer transfer window is shaping up to be as dramatic as any in recent memory.
One thing is clear: football’s transfer machine is running at full throttle — and no one wants to miss their move.
Written By Joe Brens
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