Real Madrid News
Real Madrid withdraw from race for soon-to-be-free Premier League defender
Real Madrid appear to have taken a step back from pursuing Ibrahima Konate, despite ongoing speculation linking the Liverpool FC defender with a move to Spain.
In recent weeks, Konate’s name has frequently surfaced in transfer discussions, largely due to his contract situation.
With his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026 and no agreement yet reached with Liverpool, the French centre-back has naturally attracted interest across Europe.
Real Madrid, as expected, were among the clubs mentioned.
It is not the case
In that context, fresh reports suggest that the situation is not as advanced as previously believed.
Journalist Mario Cortegana, as relayed by Defensa Central, has provided clarity on the matter, effectively dismissing the idea that Madrid are actively working on a move for the defender.
“Nothing suggests that Real Madrid will make another attempt to sign Ibrahima Konate, whose contract with Liverpool expires on June 30, 2026,” he said.
This update significantly cools down the story that had been building around a potential transfer.
While Real Madrid are not ruling out strengthening their defence, with Nico Schlotterbeck being their primary objective, their approach is a bit different.
Confidence in the current setup
As per the outlet, there is a sense of confidence in the current defensive unit.
The club believe they have reliable options already in place and are not looking to make signings out of urgency.
Instead, the focus is on identifying players who are genuinely committed to joining the project rather than chasing high-profile names without clear necessity.
At the same time, Antonio Rudiger is emerging as an important figure in these discussions.
After recovering well from his recent injury, the German defender has returned to strong form and remains highly motivated to continue competing at the highest level.
There is now a real possibility that Real Madrid could look to extend Rudiger’s stay.
If this happens, they might not want to move for a new defender at least in this summer’s window.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
