Barcelona join Real Madrid in race for €50 million-rated Premier League defender – report

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on April 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has emerged as a much sought-after player in the transfer market as he has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield.

Real Madrid have shown the strongest interest in signing the 26-year-old French international, who was a key player in the Reds’ Premier League title triumph last season.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich also in the race

However, according to Caught Offside (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in Konate’s situation, joining Real Madrid in the race.

Liverpool, for their part, have been trying to renew the centre-back’s contract but will demand a €50 million transfer fee to sell him if there is no agreement reached with the player.

However, all the aforementioned clubs – Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich – consider the €50 million price tag too steep given the Frenchman’s contract situation.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool  celebrates the teams victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Man in demand. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The report even states that Los Blancos would be willing to offer only €25 million for Konate, while there is no mention of how far Barça or Bayern Munich would be ready to go.

Barcelona are stacked in defence

Barcelona are already well-stocked in the centre-back department with Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen at manager Hansi Flick’s disposal.

The Blaugrana could also turn to Jules Kounde as a centre-back if necessary, meaning there is no urgent need for a new central defender at the moment.

So, while there may be some interest in Konate, there is a possibility that Barça could be monitoring him as a possible free-agent signing for 2026, should he not renew with Liverpool. A move this summer for the Frenchman appears extremely unlikely.

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