Real Madrid News
Liverpool defender back on Real Madrid’s radar as club eye free transfer
Half a season ago, Ibrahim Konate was the name on everyone’s lips at Real Madrid, as he was heavily linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Many expected Konate to be an ideal long-term acquisition for the club, as he was supposed to run down his contract at Liverpool. But the rumours died soon, as his form also dipped. It also seemed like he was going to extend his contract.
However, as we approach the end of the season, it seems Konate has decided to run down his contract at Liverpool and will be available as a free agent this summer.
Back on Real Madrid’s radar
According to Diario AS, Konate is back on Real Madrid’s radar this summer, especially after the defender’s decision not to renew his contract at Anfield.
The report suggests Los Blancos are closely following his situation but are yet to make a move.
Real Madrid understand that Konate will become the hottest free agent in the form and the most valued free agent, in terms of sheer market value, ahead of Dusan Vlahovic and Bernardo Silva.
Real Madrid’s plans for the summer
Real Madrid’s idea is to bring in significant reinforcements at the back this summer, especially given the way they have struggled with injuries and a lack of depth.
Not to mention, David Alaba is leaving the club, thus enabling room for not just one but two new defenders at Real Madrid.
Konate, being a free agent and offering ample experience at the highest level of football, is an exciting transfer prospect for Los Blancos.
However, Real Madrid won’t be the only suitor for Konate as Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also interested in his services. The next few weeks, therefore, could be critical as the Frenchman looks to take a finall call on his future.
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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