Liverpool are reportedly set to demand a substantial transfer fee for centre-back Ibrahima Konate, with a €100million (£84million) asking price potentially deterring rumoured suitors Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have struggled with defensive depth this season.
Eder Militao is sidelined again with an ACL injury, David Alaba continues to deal with fitness setbacks following his own ACL layoff, and even Antonio Rüdiger has shown signs of vulnerability.
In response, Raul Asencio has been promoted from Castilla to help plug the gap, though doubts remain over his long-term viability, as well as Alaba’s durability moving forward.
Real Madrid had hoped to land Lille’s Leny Yoro on a free transfer this summer, but Manchester United made a significant bid last summer that complicated that pursuit.
RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba has also been linked, while even Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was briefly mentioned before signing a new contract at Anfield.
Konate has emerged as another target, with Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring his situation.
However, according to MARCA, Liverpool are unwilling to let the Frenchman leave for a cut-price fee, even with only one year remaining on his contract.
The club are reportedly holding out for €100million, a valuation considered too steep for Madrid.
Instead, the Spanish giants may continue their recent strategy of targeting free agents, having already secured Kylian Mbappé in 2024 and now setting their sights on Trent Alexander-Arnold.
For Liverpool, losing another key defender on a free transfer would be a significant setback, particularly one they invested heavily in, unlike academy product Alexander-Arnold.
Konate is said to be demanding a considerable wage increase in ongoing contract negotiations with Liverpool.
Regardless of the outcome, the club is expected to pursue defensive reinforcements this summer, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen among the names under consideration.
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