Real Madrid are already planning major defensive changes ahead of next season as Jose Mourinho prepares for his expected return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Although the Portuguese manager is yet to receive official confirmation, reports claim a three-year agreement is already in place ahead of Florentino Perez’s presidential elections next week.
Mourinho reportedly wants immediate reinforcements across the back line after identifying defence as one of the biggest priorities inside the squad.
The Portuguese coach wants another dominant central defender, competition at right-back, and additional cover on the left side of defence.
Real Madrid have already secured Antonio Rudiger to a new contract. However, Mourinho reportedly still wants another physical presence in central defence.
That situation has now pushed the club back towards a player they previously moved away from at the end of last year.
According to the Daily Mail, Florentino Perez wants to bring former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid if he wins the presidential elections next week.
Konate’s contract situation with Liverpool has reportedly reopened discussions inside the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid had reportedly cooled their interest after previously signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.
However, the collapse of Konate’s contract talks at Anfield has reopened the possibility of signing him on a free transfer. Mourinho reportedly views the 27-year-old as an opportunistic signing because of his experience at the highest level.
Perez is also reportedly open to the deal because he can sign Konate on a free transfer. It would allow Real Madrid to redirect major funds towards other positions.
The report claims Mourinho also wants further reinforcements in midfield. Also, he could reshape parts of the attack depending on future departures.
The report also states that Tottenham defender Pedro Porro remains under consideration. Also Transfer News Live reported that they are tracking Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
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