Real Madrid have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, ending speculation over a possible move for Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate.
According to Foot Mercato, Los Blancos have chosen Upamecano as their top defensive target, leaving Konate out of their immediate plans — at least for now.
The French duo had both been under Madrid’s radar as the club looks to rebuild its backline for the future. However, it appears Florentino Perez has decided to go with the Bayern man after weeks of talks.
Madrid view Upamecano as a perfect fit — experienced, composed, and available at a bargain next summer if his contract talks in Munich continue to stall.
For Liverpool, though, this twist could have major implications. Konate, who has struggled with recurring injuries, is in the final year of his deal at Anfield. Talks are ongoing, but no breakthrough has yet been confirmed.
Real look elsewhere, but what next for Konate?
Sources close to Madrid claim that Konate “still wants to join Real Madrid,” but the Spanish giants have now shifted their focus. That leaves Liverpool in an interesting position — do they fight to keep him, or plan for life without him?
Konate has been a key part of Arne Slot’s defense when fit, but his injury record continues to raise questions. Since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig, the Frenchman has missed several crucial matches due to fitness problems.
Here’s a quick look at his record:
| Season | Injury | From | Until | Days Out | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Knee injury | 28/11/2024 | 31/12/2024 | 34 | 8 |
| 2023/24 | Thigh problems | 07/03/2024 | 19/03/2024 | 13 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | Muscle injury | 25/08/2023 | 14/09/2023 | 21 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | Muscle injury | 30/01/2023 | 27/02/2023 | 29 | 5 |
| 2022/23 | Knock | 10/11/2022 | 27/12/2022 | 48 | 10 |
| 2022/23 | Muscle injury | 12/10/2022 | 23/10/2022 | 12 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | Knee injury | 01/08/2022 | 25/09/2022 | 56 | 10 |
| 2020/21 | Ankle injury | 17/12/2020 | 04/02/2021 | 50 | 9 |
| 2020/21 | Torn muscle fiber | 01/07/2020 | 15/10/2020 | 107 | 15 |
| 2019/20 | Torn muscle fiber | 03/10/2019 | 11/03/2020 | 161 | 35 |
Should Liverpool offer Konate a new contract?
This is the million-pound question. Liverpool have already seen one homegrown favorite, Trent Alexander-Arnold, swap Anfield for Madrid. The club won’t want a repeat, especially when Konate’s potential remains sky-high.
However, his fitness issues make negotiations tricky. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, “Liverpool are still talking with his agents… Konate has the opportunity to decide whether he wants to stay or try a new chapter.”
At the moment, all options remain open. Konate could commit to a new deal and continue his development under Slot — or he might be tempted by the bright lights of Spain or France.
For now, Liverpool fans can only hope the Frenchman’s next chapter is still written in red. Because when fit, Konate isn’t just a defender — he’s a wall.