Ibrahima Konate: Real Madrid take incredibly BOLD step

Real Madrid have taken a bold step in their pursuit of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. They want the Frenchman.

It's no secret at this stage that Real Madrid want to sign Ibrahima Konate. It no longer seems like much of a secret that Konate wants to join Real Madrid.

That's the line out of Spain, anyway, and has been for quite some time now. The Frenchman's contract expires at the end of the season and Los Blancos smell another potential free transfer.

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It's a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga, of course. That saw Alexander-Arnold string Liverpool along for at least a year before 'eventually' deciding to sign for Real Madrid.

They're trying the same strategy, convincing Konate that they're the ultimate destination and making it near-impossible for the Reds to agree a new contract. And it appears to be working in back-to-back years.

However, there's a twist here. Things are different this time around and it means Real Madrid have taken a bold new step.

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Real Madrid leave squad space for Ibrahima Konate

Marca reports that Real Madrid are leaving a squad space open in case Konate joins them in this transfer window. That involves leaving Franco Mastantuono with their Castilla side for a bit, as they did with both Vinicius and Rodrygo.

So could a transfer actually happen this summer? Yes, actually.

Real Madrid are a bit desperate after finishing last season trophyless. Their defence, in particular, looks sub-par, with Dean Huijsen, still a young player and one who hasn’t been a player in a leading side before, their best option.

They may well reach a point where success looks difficult to achieve without an elite addition there. Konate, with just one year remaining on his contract, would be far and away their best option.