Real Madrid News
Blow for Real Madrid as key target confirms renewal with Liverpool is ‘close’
Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2026/27 season, but their potential targets appear to be gradually moving out of reach.
First it was Dayot Upamecano, who signed a new contract with Bayern Munich, bringing an end to the speculations of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
More recently, it was Nico Schlotterbeck, who renewed his contract with Borussia Dortmund, although reports suggest the existence of a special release clause linked to the Spanish club.
And now they could also miss out on Ibrahima Konate, the Liverpool centre-back.
Konate confirms he is close to renewal agreement
Konate has also been strongly linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer in the summer, as his contract at Anfield is due to expire.
However, after the match against Everton this past weekend, the Frenchman provided an update on the status of his negotiations with Liverpool, which dealt a blow to Real Madrid’s hopes.
“My future? The truth is that many things have been said, but we have been talking with the club for some time and we are close to an agreement,” he declared, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“We’ve all wanted this for a long time, and we’re on the right track. There’s definitely a good chance I’ll be here next season. This is what I’ve always wanted,” he added.
Clearly frustrated by ongoing speculation, he continued: “I’m waiting for the contract to be sorted out.
But when everything is ready, they’ll have to ask Richard (Liverpool’s sporting director) what I told him in September and November, and I’m sure he’ll say something to shut everyone up.”
“It’s been a tough year, and if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they would understand many things, the sacrifices I’ve made for this club. Right now, we’re focused on the end of the season and securing Champions League qualification,” he concluded.
Real Madrid will be looking to pick up their fifth win of the 2026/27 La Liga season when they take on Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight.
With 12 points from five games, Los Blancos are currently second in the league table, three points below leaders FC Barcelona.
As such, the Spanish capital club will be eager to get the win and close the gap to the top.
Guler starts, Bellingham rested
Ahead of kickoff, Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Elche, with Jose Mourinho making some important changes.
For starters, Arda Guler is back in the lineup after appearing as a substitute in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Interestingly, however, he starts in the attacking midfield role, with Mourinho opting to rest Jude Bellingham, who has started all of Real Madrid’s games so far.
That also means that Yan Diomande retains his place in the team, starting for a second time in a row on the right wing. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continue in their respective positions in attack.
Another notable change sees Aurelien Tchouameni make his first start of the season after recovering from injury and making two appearances off the bench.
He replaces Bernardo Silva as Federico Valverde’s partner in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella come in as full-backs, while Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen slot in at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 15, 2026
🆚 @ElcheCF
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