The French duo Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba has been expected for the club for a good part of 2025, but Fabrizio Romano explained that the approach of Real Madrid with regard to these two players was different.
If the Merengues wish another central defender after spending 60 million euros for Dean Huijsen, it is because they expect David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger to leave next summer at the end of their contracts. There would only be three natural options for Xabi Alonso.
William Saliba's situation depends on Arsenal
Fabrizio Romano revealed in his podcast that the situation concerning Saliba depends entirely on Arsenal. If Real Madrid is interested in Saliba and considers it as one of the best possible recruits, Arsenal is in contractual negotiations with French. It is only if Arsenal fails to conclude an agreement before next summer, when he will enter his last year of contract, that they will recruit him. Ibrahima Konaté is not in negotiations with Liverpool
Konaté is a target for Real Madrid.
In addition, Konaté seems interested in a transfer to Real Madrid, and he could sign a contract with the club in just three months. In addition, Liverpool is not in active negotiations to extend his contract at this stage, which increases the chances of a transfer.
However, Diario AS indicates that a cross -ligament injury by Giovanni Leoni, leaving him from the field for most of the season, could change the situation for Konaté. Leoni was expected to progress under the direction of Arne Slot this season before playing an important role, but Liverpool could now consider an extension for Konaté, or try again to recruit Marc Guehi.
