Konaté Avoids Announcing Real Madrid Move: Fears a Repeat of the Alexander-Arnold Backlash

Ibrahima Konaté is wary of experiencing what Trent Alexander-Arnold went through with the Anfield crowd—shouts, boos, whistles, and disrespect. For that reason, the French defender has decided not to reveal anything concrete about his future.

If he were to confirm a move to Real Madrid before the season ends—especially from January onward—Konaté fears he could face hostility from Liverpool fans and even risk losing his starting spot. He does not want to become “another Arnold case,” so he plans to keep everything secret until the end.

Of course, the situation changes entirely if he chooses to extend his contract. At the moment, he is still in talks with Liverpool, who continue to push for a renewal. He has already turned down multiple offers, which has created uncertainty at the club, as it resembles what happened with Alexander-Arnold last season.

There is still time before a final decision is made, but Real Madrid remain optimistic. Konaté has publicly hinted several times at a possible move, and January is approaching fast. Still, Liverpool’s ambitious project—and a significant salary increase—could tempt him to stay, especially since he hasn’t signed anything with the Spanish club.

Strengthening the Defense

Real Madrid aim to bolster their back line and address a weakness that has emerged early this season. The team struggles with set pieces and crosses into the box. Despite having solid defenders, duels and aerial battles have become a problem—areas in which Konaté excels, offering experience and athletic maturity.

The need becomes even more pressing considering David Alaba’s departure and the possibility that Antonio Rüdiger may also leave when his contract expires. This means Madrid must be proactive in the transfer market to ensure depth and avoid future issues caused by injuries or suspensions.