Credit: Imago

Chloee Geddes

Tue 17 June 2025 0:00, UK

Real Madrid are looking to raid another Liverpool defender next season when he becomes available on a free transfer.

Liverpool have already seen academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold leave Anfield for Real Madrid this summer.

The 26-year-old moved to Madrid for £10million after Liverpool agreed to let him leave early so he could be in contention for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Liverpool need to get to work

Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract will run out at the end of the 2025/26 season, and Real Madrid are planning to raid their second free agent from L4.

The France international signed for the Reds in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £36m.

Liverpool have been dealt blows by the Spanish giants in recent seasons, and there is even more of a reason to be annoyed now.

Marca have reported (15 June) that Real Madrid have already started working on signing a free agent next summer. The favourite is Konate.

Liverpool have already tied down Mohammed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk before their contracts ran out this summer.

In April, Salah and Van Dijk both signed a new two-year deal with the club, which will commit their future at Anfield until 2027.

With Andy Robertson having links to leave to Athletico Madrid, Liverpool won’t want a fresh defensive line for the 25/26 season.

Konate is an important player at Liverpool

Konate is a winner at Liverpool and has deemed himself an important player, even with his injury issues.

Since joining in 2021, he has won the Premier League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the English Super Cup.

The Reds cannot afford to lose him; he has formed an intimidating partnership with Van Dijk in defence.

Both parties need to agree because Konate is one of the best centre-backs in the world, and no one can do the job he does at the same level in Slot’s side.

The 26-year-old cannot leave on a free next summer, as it would be poor business for Liverpool.