Jonathan Tah Considered as Madrid’s Temporary Fix | OneFootball

Madrid’s Long-Term Defensive Vision Includes Konate

Real Madrid are laying the groundwork for a significant defensive overhaul, with Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate emerging as a key target for 2026. The Spanish giants, known for planning years in advance, are reportedly confident that they can land the French international when his contract expires in June of that year.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Madrid’s recruitment team has already begun internal preparations for a move, with contingency options being explored to bridge the gap until Konate becomes a free agent. The plan appears to echo their strategy with Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose exit from Anfield this summer is viewed by many as a blow to Liverpool’s defensive stability.

Konate is viewed as one of the continent’s most accomplished young defenders, and Real Madrid’s interest reflects his growing stature after another commanding season alongside Virgil van Dijk. Contract negotiations at Liverpool have yet to gain real momentum, and that hesitation could prove costly.

Top of the Wishlist: Konate, Saliba, and Huijsen

Madrid’s list of centre-back targets features some of Europe’s brightest talents, with Konate joined by Arsenal’s William Saliba and Bournemouth loanee Dean Huijsen at the top.

There’s a feeling within the Bernabéu hierarchy that Huijsen’s £50 million release clause could enable an earlier move should the club wish to accelerate their plans, according sources close to Anfield Index. However, the prospect of acquiring Konate without a fee in 2026 is clearly appealing, and Madrid are willing to be patient.

Madrid remain admirers of Saliba, who has been exceptional for Arsenal since his return from loan spells in France. Yet with no immediate release clause and Arsenal keen to tie down their defensive lynchpin long-term, a deal for Saliba would be significantly more complicated than waiting for Konate.

As one source put it: “Madrid are planning for the future and see Konate as someone who fits the profile. They’re willing to wait if it means getting the deal on their terms.”

Tah Considered as Short-Term Solution

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is also on the radar, with the German international seen as a stopgap solution while Real Madrid wait on long-term options.

Tah has confirmed his intention to leave Leverkusen when the season concludes. The 28-year-old was a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s title-winning side, and a reunion in Madrid could appeal to both player and manager.

However, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have maintained regular contact with Tah’s representatives, placing them ahead in the current pecking order. Any move to Spain would require swift and decisive action from Madrid’s sporting department.

Liverpool Under Pressure to Act on Konate

With just one year remaining on Konate’s current deal, Liverpool face a growing dilemma. New head coach Arne Slot has inherited a squad in transition, and losing a key defender on a free transfer would not align with the club’s strategic ambitions.

Liverpool have been proactive in securing new terms for senior figures such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. But murmurs of discontent around the futures of Konate, Luis Díaz, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, and Diogo Jota suggest that Anfield’s contract room has more work to do.

Unless the club moves quickly, the scenario facing Konate could mirror the Alexander-Arnold situation—a high-value asset departing without compensation.