Real Madrid are not rushing to sign Ibrahima Konate. In fact, they do not need to. They are just waiting for the right moment.
It is a strategy that worked before. Last time, it was Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now, another Liverpool star could follow the footsteps of Trent.
Los Blancos are quietly keeping tabs on Ibrahima Konate.
The French defender has just one year left on his deal at Anfield. And Real Madrid are watching the clock.
They believe they can land him next summer for free. That is the ideal plan. But they are also open to bringing it forward.
What happened in the Club World Cup final has opened the eyes of the Real Madrid board members.
Along with Xabi Alonso, they know that without defensive reinforcements, they could end up having another trophyless season.
It is something a club like Real Madrid cannot afford to have. They must win a trophy and that too a significant one.
If Liverpool are willing to accept around €20–25 million, the deal could happen now.
However, there is a problem. Liverpool are not ready to give up that easily on Ibrahima Konate.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League giants have already made their move.
They have offered Konate a new contract and are working hard to convince him to stay.
After losing Trent to Madrid the same way, Liverpool do not want to see history repeat itself.
They are doing everything they can to avoid a similar scenario. But so far, the player has not responded.
That silence is giving Real Madrid hope. The longer the talks drag on, the more confident they become.
If Konate does not renew, Madrid will strike. Whether it is this summer or next, they seem ready.
Liverpool, though, are not backing off. They want their centre-back to stay.
This Ibrahima Konate transfer saga could go right down to the wire.
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