As the summer transfer window nears its conclusion, unexpected developments continue to unfold across Europe. While Real Madrid has been linked with several marquee signings, it may be Barcelona who makes the bigger splash.
The focus has shifted to Fermín López, who has attracted serious attention from abroad. Chelsea reportedly submitted a final €70 million bid for the young midfielder, but Barcelona, under president Joan Laporta, has been firm in rejecting anything below €90 million. Should offers rise, the market could be shaken in dramatic fashion.
The real twist, however, comes from Barcelona’s potential reinvestment strategy. The Catalan club is weighing the idea of using part of the proceeds to pursue Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. While Real Madrid has long admired the French center-back with an eye on next summer, Barcelona could attempt to fast-track a deal immediately.
Reports suggest Barcelona is exploring a proposal of around €20 million—far below Konaté’s estimated market value of €60 million. Though such a figure appears unrealistic, whispers from within the transfer market claim that negotiations could still progress if Liverpool can be persuaded.
Adding urgency to Barcelona’s interest is the recent departure of Íñigo Martínez to Saudi Arabia, which has left a noticeable gap in Xavi’s defensive options. Securing Konaté would not only reinforce their backline but also deal a potential setback to Real Madrid’s long-term plans.
The key question remains: can Barcelona convince Liverpool to part ways with one of their cornerstone defenders in the final hours of the window?
