Real Madrid seem to have decided that it is time to turn over a new leaf in their backline, after a season in which they conceded 16 goals at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona. An aging backline has already received significant reinforcements, but should Los Blancos continue it this summer?

Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras have all arrived to the tune of €120m, giving Xabi Alonso a much more youthful looking starting back four – or five. It leaves him with five central defenders including David Alaba, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio, while at right-back Dani Carvajal will compete with Alexander-Arnold. On the left, Real Madrid have three options in Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia and Carreras, albeit they would like to move on from them.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid continue to be linked with Liverpool man Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract next summer. The French defender could be available on the cheap, and would see them bring in one of the best defenders in football currently.

The Pros of signing Ibrahima Konate

Konate on the face of it would undoubtedly improve the level of the Real Madrid backline, having outperformed all of their current options over the last two years. Coming into his prime, he could provide the physical imposition and pace to be Rudiger’s long-term replacement, and comes with European experience at the top level included.

The fact he is out of contract next summer means Los Blancos can cut a good deal, and he already has a relationship with Alexander-Arnold in the backline. It would also open up Alonso’s options to play five at the back if he pleases.

The Cons of signing Ibrahima Konate

On the flipside, the timing might be better next season. Los Blancos could bring him in on a free, whereas signing him this summer would require a fee. Having reportedly already agreed terms with Real Madrid, whatever his free agent signing bonus would be, will be added to the fee.

By adding a sixth defender, it likely slashes the opportunities of Alaba, Rudiger and Militao. All three will be desperate to prove themselves this season, and get back to their best. The former pair are out of contract next summer, and paying them both to sit on the bench seems non-sensical. Konate and Huijsen would almost certainly be guaranteed starting spots, and it could hinder efforts to get a return on investment in Militao, or indeed stunt the progress of Joan Martinez. Los Blancos will have a better idea of where they stand with all of their defenders next season.

Source: https://zamsino.com/