Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool's defender, enters tonight's match against Real Madrid in the Champions League under the spotlight for reasons beyond just the value of the major European match. The French defender is facing the team that plans to sign him in the summer of 2026.

According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Konate's contract with Liverpool ends in 2026, and he has not yet reached an agreement to renew it, which has made him part of Real Madrid's strategic plan in preparation for the near future.

The royal club intends to part ways with Rudiger and Alaba at the end of the current season, and has set its sights on acquiring an experienced and physically strong defender like Konate (26 years old), alongside promoting young Juan Martinez (18 years old) from the Castilla team to be the fifth option in defense.

Real Madrid has been following the player for some time, in a process similar to that which ended with Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer from Anfield to Santiago Bernabeu, a precedent that worries Liverpool's management a lot, especially since all their attempts to extend Konate's contract have failed. As January approaches, the player will be free to negotiate with any other club, as he enters the last six months of his contract.

However, tonight represents a real test for the French defender, as he will be under close scrutiny from everyone: Real Madrid to assess his level, Liverpool fans who have not forgotten Trent's sudden departure, Madrid fans who are anticipating his arrival, and even his coach Arne Slot, who has recently publicly criticized him for his declining performance.

Thus, Konate enters the match against Real Madrid surrounded by quadruple pressure: from his coach, from his fans, from the royal club that is watching him, and from himself as he tries to prove that he is worthy of a major step towards Santiago Bernabeu.