Real stop the Konate pursuit after his poor displays

Ibrahima Konate had long been on Real’s wishlist for June 2026. They didn’t hide it, and he didn’t hide that, but after the scouts of the Royal club saw a string of his insecure performances, they apparently decided to find another defender. Just when they thought they were going to grab him, Konate started looking like a man who’d forgotten he came to defend his goal and not to watch the match from the front row. And Real, who value stability, simply turned elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Konate is entering the final six months of his contract with Liverpool, and there’s talk of a new deal. He sits, thinks, negotiates… and tries to return to form. Because it’s not all that dark—Liverpool still want him despite everything. And Real? They’ll find someone. They always do. And if we’re being cheeky, maybe it’s even better for Ibrahima that he won’t have to deal with how much tax eats into salaries in Spain, where he’d pay almost 50 percent. Staying in England means paying “only” 45 percent, so even in tax terms, it works out better. Real Madrid have been selecting players for years based on very precise parameters: reliability, consistency, physical readiness, and the ability to carry the club’s highest ambitions. Konate is undoubtedly a top defender when he is in peak form, but his trajectory in recent months has been far too unstable for Real to take the risk.

Virgil pen Dijk

During the current season, the Frenchman went through fluctuations that caused Liverpool problems. Periods of excellent performances were followed by matches where he looked unfocused, late into duels, or poor in tracking depth. When the talent is that big, these things can be corrected, but Real Madrid rarely spend time on “ifs” and “maybes.” They choose ready-made profiles who can immediately compete at the highest level.

Madrid's tandem for future: Arda sets (up), Kylian nets

On the other hand, Konate still has a strong position in Liverpool. The club respects him, the fans know his qualities, and in the dressing room, he is considered one of the guys who keep the atmosphere positive. Entering the final six months of his contract means the upcoming months will be crucial for negotiations about continuing the partnership, and the fact that Real is no longer an option can only help Liverpool stabilize the situation. In the long run, this might even be good for Konate. Instead of thinking about a transfer, a new system, and a jump into a completely different style of football, he now has a clearer picture: he can focus on what he needs most right now—regaining confidence, rhythm, and form, the very things that brought him to the elite level of European football in the first place.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 13

Saturday

Brentford - Burnley 3-1 (0-0)

/Thiago 81(p), 86, Quattara 90 - Flemming 85(p)/

Manchester City - Leeds 3-2 (2-0)

/Foden 1, 90+1 Gvardiol 25 - Calvert-Lewin 49, Nmecha 68/

Sunderland - Bournemouth 3-2 (1-2)

/Le Fee 30(p) Traore 46, Brobbley 69 - Adli 7, Adams 15/

Everton - Newcastle 1-4 (0-3)

/Dewsbury-Hall 69 - Thiaw 1, 58, Miley 25, Woltemade 45/

Tottenham - Fulham 1-2 (0-2)

/Kudus 59 - Tete 4, Wilson 6/

Sunday

15.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.50) Manchester Utd. (3.00)

17.05: (1.50) Aston Villa (4.20) Wolverhampton (6.75)

17.05: (2.85) Nottingham Forest (3.35) Brighton (2.65)

17.05: (4.50) West Ham (4.25) Liverpool (1.75)

19.30: (3.35) Chelsea (3.45) Arsenal (2.25)

***odds are subject to change***