Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reach out to Premier League defender and ask for one crucial favour – report
According to a recent revelation made by Fichajes, it appears that Real Madrid have already contacted Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, asking him not to extend his current deal with the Premier League club.
In return, the Spanish club have promised to formalise an offer in January 2026 and sign him as a free agent in the summer, following a strategy that has worked in the past with players like David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe.
It is to be noted that Konate, 26, is unhappy with the contract terms offered by Liverpool, and negotiations have come to a halt.
This has raised concerns at Anfield, especially as the defender could now follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has already moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Real Madrid admire Konate
Real Madrid see Konate as a long-term solution for their defence. His blend of physicality, pace, and experience at both club and international level make him an ideal candidate to become a future leader at the back.
Sources claim that Xabi Alonso, who has now taken over, has already approved the move.
The plan is clear that if Konate refuses to renew with Liverpool, Real Madrid will wait until January 2026 to make a formal approach and sign him on a free deal six months later.
The club believes this is a rare opportunity to land a top-class defender without paying a transfer fee.
With his future now uncertain and Liverpool under pressure to avoid another high-profile free exit, all eyes will be on Konate’s next move.
Meanwhile, at Valdebebas, Real Madrid are quietly preparing what could be another smart and strategic signing for the 2026/27 season.
Real Madrid News
19-year-old Argentine starlet reflects on difficult Real Madrid spell: ‘It wasn’t easy’
When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer, he was widely regarded as one of, if not the biggest, South American talents coming through.
Los Blancos fast-tracked him straight into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but the teenager struggled to adapt to life in Madrid.
Mastantuono left on loan to Fiorentina in the summer in a bid to get regular game time away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine winger experienced a turbulent campaign at Madrid, working under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and, very briefly, Jose Mourinho.
A difficult season
Speaking to DSports, Mastantuono admitted his year in Madrid had been challenging but believes the experience ultimately helped his development.
“We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” Mastantuono said.
“These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained.
Rather than viewing this move to Italy as an opportunity to move away from Madrid, he seems keen on using the experience he gained there to succeed in Italy.
Mastantuono embraces the pressure
The Argentine also discussed the demands of representing Real Madrid, something he had already experienced in a different form while playing for River Plate.
“I had the privilege of playing for River and Real Madrid, incredible teams,” he said.
“There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course,” Mastantuono revealed.
That attitude perhaps explains why Mastantuono has gone searching for game time this season rather than staying at Madrid.
No bad blood over Real Madrid exit
Importantly, Mastantuono dismissed any suggestion that his departure from Real Madrid came following a breakdown in his relationship with the club.
Earlier in the summer, it had emerged that the Argentinian wanted to return to River Plate, which Los Blancos did not agree to.
However, even if that situation actually transpired, it looks like it was sorted out amicably.
“When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation,” he explained.
“I decided to leave the club. I had many options, and I thank everyone who showed interest,” he concluded.
Mastantuono’s departure puts a pause on a short and complicated chapter for a player who arrived with a lot of expectations.
The good thing for him is that he is only on loan at Fiorentina and could return to Madrid, where the book is still open.
The first chapter may have been difficult, but there is no necessity for the trend to continue through the rest of the chapters.
Mastantuono’s priority now is to have a good season at Fiorentina, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future in the Spanish capital in the coming seasons.
