The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' reported that Real Madrid has informed Liverpool of its intention not to sign the French defender Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract with the English club expires in June 2026, despite the player's interest in moving to the Spanish club and his refusal to renew his contract so far.

The newspaper explained that the Royal Club was impressed by Konaté's qualities in terms of experience and ability to play from the back, but he is a right-footed player, while Real Madrid prefers to sign a left-footed defender to be a replacement for David Alaba, whose contract ends next summer. In this case, Odriozola would be the only defender covering the left side.

The report added that the possibility of renewing the contract of Antonio Rüdiger, who is 32 years old, reinforces the club's decision not to sign Konaté, as the German player wishes to stay after proving himself as a defensive leader over the past two seasons, despite receiving tempting offers from the Arab league.

The newspaper pointed out that Konaté will continue to be monitored by other clubs, as he is a highly sought-after player. He moved to Liverpool in 2021 from Leipzig for 35 million euros and forms a defensive partnership with Van Dijk, who will turn 35 next summer and has one year left on his contract.

The newspaper reported that the player was enthusiastic about joining Real Madrid to play alongside Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Mendy, and especially Kylian Mbappé, with whom he was in constant contact. However, Real Madrid excluded signing him and prefers to look for a young left-footed defender with a promising future.