Real Madrid’s long-term recruitment strategy has been altered by William Saliba’s contract renewal with Arsenal. The French defender extended his stay in North London until 2027, closing the door on a player Madrid had identified as an ideal addition at the back. According to ESPN, Saliba was not just another target but the model of what the club wanted in its next central defender. His decision represents a notable obstacle for the Bernabéu hierarchy.
With Saliba no longer available, attention has shifted toward Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté. The 26-year-old’s deal at Anfield expires next summer, presenting an opportunity Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez often pursues — acquiring top-level players without a transfer fee, as seen in past moves for David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Kylian Mbappé.
Konaté under scrutiny
Despite the potential availability of Konaté, the situation is not straightforward. ESPN reported that there is internal disagreement at Madrid regarding a possible move. While Trent Alexander-Arnold was a name that united the club’s decision-makers, Konaté has sparked division.
His qualities are clear: pace, strength, and reliability in transition. Yet, concerns remain over his injury record, which continues to cast doubt on whether he is the right choice. This has opened the door to alternative names, including Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig, who is also on the shortlist.
Balancing Madrid’s defence and Liverpool’s future
Another factor driving Madrid’s deliberations is the shape of their squad. With Xabi Alonso sometimes preferring a three-man defence, the need for greater depth at centre-back becomes pressing. Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, and Raúl Asencio are part of the current pool, but possible departures of Alaba and Rüdiger would leave significant gaps to address.
For Liverpool, the speculation surrounding Konaté is nothing new. Major European clubs consistently circle around Anfield’s key players, and the French international has been considered Virgil van Dijk’s eventual successor. In that sense, losing him would represent more than just the departure of a partner — it would mean letting go of a long-term foundation piece.
ESPN’s observation that Madrid remain divided over Konaté should give Liverpool hope. The hesitation means they still have the advantage, provided they act. Allowing the defender to leave for free would be a damaging mistake, while securing him on fresh terms would strengthen the defensive core as Van Dijk enters the later years of his career.