Liverpool are reportedly wary of losing another star player to Real Madrid but have already identified a potential replacement.
Arne Slot’s debut season as Liverpool manager has been outstanding, despite the challenge of succeeding the beloved Jürgen Klopp.
The Reds are currently favorites to win the Premier League, holding a commanding 13-point lead over Arsenal with 11 matches remaining. In Europe, they are also strong contenders for the UEFA Champions League but must navigate a difficult Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, uncertainty looms over the future of several key players. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to become free agents this summer, with no contract extensions agreed upon yet. Alexander-Arnold, in particular, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Now, Madrid’s interest in Liverpool players appears to be expanding. According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish giants are also eyeing center-back Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract expires in 2026. Club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly eager to bring the 25-year-old to the Bernabéu, though Madrid could face competition from PSG for his signature.
The Daily Mail report also noted that Liverpool began contract discussions with Ibrahima Konaté’s representatives last year, but no agreement appears to be imminent.
With Konaté’s future uncertain, Liverpool is reportedly monitoring Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge. The 20-year-old has been a key figure in Brugge’s Champions League campaign, though his team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.
Liverpool isn’t the only club interested in Ordóñez—both Aston Villa and Everton are also said to be tracking the young center-back.
After facing PSG on Wednesday night in the Champions League, Liverpool will return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they host Southampton at Anfield.
