The Frenchman joined Jurgen Klopp’s team from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, and he has since received numerous accolades for his play in Merseyside red.
After making 29 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Anfield, Konate finished with a winners medal in both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.
Because of his competition with Joel Matip for a starting berth in Klopp’s defense, Konate was limited to just 11 Premier League appearances last season, and injuries have kept him out for just four games so far this year.
The 23-year-old was still a part of France’s World Cup 2022 squad and ended up playing five times, including a starring role in the semifinal victory over Morocco.
However, Mediafoot reports that Real Madrid is eyeing the ex-Leipzig player this summer, despite the fact that Konate is under contract with Liverpool until the end of the 2025-2026 season at Anfield.
As the article claims, Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of Konate’s and has expressed his desire to sign the defender for the upcoming 2023-24 season at the Bernabeu.
Apparently led by Ancelotti, Real Madrid has been trying to sign Konate in the hopes that the allure of moving to Spain’s capital and Los Blancos’ financial might will be enough to seal the deal.
Liverpool may be hesitant to let Konate depart for their future Champions League opponents because of the depth they already possess at central defense.
Ancelotti has a crowded backline to choose from, with David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, Antonio Rudiger, and Jesus Vallejo all vying for playing time.
More importantly, since Rudiger came as a free agent from Chelsea this summer, Vallejo has yet to make an appearance in La Liga this season, and his future at the Bernabeu seems bleak.
Los Blancos only brought in two players (Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni) during the last window, and Ancelotti does not plan on making any additions to the roster during the current window.
“The team is complete, so we will not be adding any new players. As for possible ways out, we have no idea “Ancelotti said last week to the press.
“It’s possible that the less active players would look for a new home where they can get more playing time. On the other hand, there won’t be any new arrivals.”
After starting the World Cup on the bench, Konate returned to action for Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Leicester City on Friday and might start against Brentford on Monday.
With 28 points after 16 games, Liverpool is currently in sixth place in the Premier League rankings, but a win against Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Community Stadium will move them up to the fifth place.
