Liverpool agree to a swap deal with Real Madrid, including a $40 million payment
English club Liverpool are preparing to send Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid to sign one of their best players, according to Spanish media reports, as the defender’s position on leaving Anfield during the summer transfer window is revealed.
Real Madrid and Liverpool are two of the world’s biggest clubs, and both have been very active in the summer transfer market. Real Madrid, who appointed Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, have already signed Dean Huyssen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Franco Mastrantuono will join Los Blancos in August when he turns 18.
Liverpool, who won the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season in Arne Slot’s first season, have secured Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jérémy Frimpong, Armin Pesce, and Freddie Woodman this season, with Giorgi Mamardashvili also joining the Reds.
But the Premier League champions aren’t done yet, as the Reds are also looking for a new striker and a new winger.
With Bayern Munich keen on Diaz, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga champions, Liverpool are looking for a new left-sided striker.
Rodrygo is a player Liverpool likes, with the Brazilian international keen to leave Madrid this summer so he can play on his preferred left wing.
According to Defensa Central, a Real Madrid-based media outlet, Liverpool have hatched a very clever plan to sign Rodrygo in the summer transfer window.
The headline of the report indicated that Liverpool had “agreed” to a “swap deal” for Konate that would include Rodrygo, who, according to Luka Modrić in Get Spanish Football News in September 2024, is one of Madrid’s “world-class stars.”
The Reds appear willing to offer Konate to Madrid in exchange for Rodrygo, and are also prepared to pay €35 million (£30.2 million, $41 million) in cash.
For Real Madrid, this is a “tempting offer,” but Madrid will demand more money if Liverpool makes an official bid for Rodrygo, who is valued at €100 million (£86.5 million, $117 million) by Los Blancos.
Ibrahimi Konate’s Position on a Move to Real Madrid
According to Defensa Central, Liverpool are aware of Real Madrid’s interest in signing defender Konate.
The French international’s contract with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2026 and he has informed the Premier League champions that he will not sign a new contract.
Despite interest from clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Konate prefers a move to Madrid.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Konate has informed Liverpool that he is willing to leave this summer, provided he is given the opportunity to move to Madrid.
With Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso keen to cash in on Rodrygo and keen to bring Konate to the Santiago Bernabéu, it would make sense for Los Blancos and Liverpool to reach a deal involving the Brazilian and Konate.
