Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rule out move for soon-to-be-free Liverpool defensive mainstay
In a major development, David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Real Madrid have decided not to pursue the signing of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
The French international was one of the centre-backs that the Merengues were considering to strengthen their backline next summer.
Konate’s contract situation at Liverpool was a major reason for the same, as his deal runs out at the end of the season and he would become available as a free agent.
However, as per the aforementioned report, Real Madrid have informed Liverpool that they have no interest in signing their defensive mainstay. The same has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano as well.
Real Madrid did have Konate on their shortlist for defensive reinforcements for the longest time.
But, of late, doubts had been growing about the Frenchman after some of his questionable performances in the ongoing campaign.
Now, the Spanish capital club have decided to pull the plug on the operation completely, and have ‘directly and unequivocally’ informed Liverpool of the same, states Ornstein.
With Konate ruled out, his compatriot Dayot Upamecano, who finds himself in a similar contract situation at Bayern Munich, is likely to be Real Madrid’s main target to reinforce the centre-back position in 2026.
Other names such as Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck have also been mentioned as potential targets for the Merengues for the summer.
As for Konate, Liverpool are still in negotiations with his camp over a new contract, and it remains to be seen whether he renews, now that the option of Real Madrid is off the table.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
