Liverpool star jokes about Real Madrid interest – ‘Yes, he’s calling…’

Liverpool defender and Real Madrid target Ibrahima Konate has joked about the interest of Los Blancos in signing him. The French international has just nine months left on his deal at Liverpool, and can sign with any club on a free in January.

That is exactly what the Reds have been fearing all summer. Their attempts to tie Konate down to a new deal have thus far been in vain, and talk of a new contract has gone quiet. Real Madrid have identified Konate as an economic recruit to strengthen their backline, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger expected to leave the club at the end of their contracts in 2026. Konate is also reportedly set on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a recent interview with French outlet Telefoot while on international duty, Konate was asked about the potential interest from Real Madrid. “Yes, Kylian Mbappe is calling me every two hours,” Konate said with a smile, which brought laughter from interviewers, as recounted by Diario AS.

Liverpool, it appears, are already making contingency plans for Konate’s departure, a sign that there is substance to the consistent reporting from the Spanish capital that he has no intention of signing a new deal at Anfield. As happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer. That would make sense of Liverpool’s interest and late move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, which ultimately collapsed.

The England international himself is out of contract next summer, but Liverpool will now have to ensure that no other giants move in on Guehi. Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been credited with interest in Guehi, while Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring his situation – presumably if their move for Konate does not come off.