Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on an agreement with Ibrahima Konate, who had been primed to leave Liverpool when his contract expires.

According to Madrid Zone via Jose Felix Diaz, Real Madrid are in an advanced stage of an agreement for the signing of Ibrahima Konate. There’s the distinct possibility of a January transfer, although most signs so far have pointed towards a Bosman move when the 26-year-old Liverpool star’s contract expires next summer.

Liverpool have some key decisions on their hands, particularly with the future of Ibrahima Konate. The French centre-back has been a mainstay in their teams over the years, and now they are staring at another unpleasant scenario of losing one of their key stars on a free transfer to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid acquired Trent Alexander-Arnold when his contract expired in the summer. They did end up paying a modest fee to secure the defender’s early release as they wanted the right-back for their Club World Cup campaign. Now, the Merseysiders are potentially preparing for the exit of Koinate, who is in the final year of his contract at Merseyside.

Real Madrid are the one heavily linked with a move for Konate, and there are plenty of rumblings suggesting the player might be open to the idea. Liverpool had planned on offering a new deal, although there might be a feeling that should the 26-year-old Liverpool star reject any offer at Merseyside, that could be a big indication of his preference.

Liverpool are currently not worried, as they are probably planning on an offensive much similar to their efforts to tie down Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah last summer. However, that could be a risky play for the club, as Konate is very much liked by Florentino Perez, who is keen to build a solid defensive setup for his new manager, Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid close to signing Ibrahima Konate?

As per the story, Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Konate as the two parties could agree terms of a contract. There are rumours that Konate might even consider departing in January if Liverpool goes all out for Marc Guehi in the winter market.

However, the likelihood of a winter window departure may not seem ideal either for the player or Liverpool, meaning a summer move on a free transfer is the likely outcome. Real Madrid are incidentally also keen on Marc Guehi, who is also in the final year of his deal. Should they sign both those defenders, it would be a bitter blow for Liverpool, first in their efforts to keep the Frenchman and then sign the English star.