Real Madrid swap deal could see midfielder join Liverpool

Liverpool are facing a contract predicament over Ibrahima Konate. The Reds would like to tie down the French defender for the long term but so far have been unsuccessful in persuading him to sign a new deal.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in 2026 and could LEAVE on a free transfer if no accord is reached.

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It has been suggested that Liverpool would sell Konate this summer if they failed to convince him to stay beyond next year - thereby ensuring a return on a player they paid £35m for back in 2021.

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Real Madrid are of course playing the waiting game over Konate. Having snared Trent Alexander-Arnold one month before his 2025 contract expiry, Xabi Alonso’s club are determined to repeat the trick.

Liverpool propose Camavinga swap

With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both out of contract in 2026 there will be plenty of space in the squad - not to mention the budget - to satisfy the conditions of Konate’s arrival.

Liverpool will be dead against losing Konate for free - but an intriguing option has emerged in the Spanish media. Defensa Central is claiming that Liverpool have proposed a swap deal - effective in January - for Konate and one of Madrid’s fringe midfielders.

Eduardo Camavinga, 22, could be sacrificed to make way for Konate with the France midfielder having been on the radar of Liverpool for a few years now.

Indeed it’s even been suggested that Liverpool would be prepared to add a transfer fee to the mix with Camavinga’s contract expiring in 2029.

Arne Slot "really likes" Camavinga

“Anfield has a proposal prepared for Madrid for January, which would involve exchanging Konaté for one of Madrid's players who isn't getting playing time, with Camavinga as one of those targets,” the report reads.

“Slot really likes the Frenchman, and although Madrid isn't overflowing with players in the position, Liverpool is interested in him to give them more depth on the bench.

“In fact, Anfield, in addition to including Konaté, would be willing to put up 10 or 15 million as compensation.”

Will Liverpool be convinced to swap Konate?

Liverpool’s squad depth isn’t the greatest right now - with sporting director Richard Hughes conducting a clearout this summer to make way for new signings.

Over the next couple of windows the squad will need to be bulked out and midfield could be one of the areas in need of attention.

Since a major refit in 2023, the Reds haven’t been active for central midfielders although they came close to signing Martin Zubimendi last summer. Adding Camavinga could change all that but we have to wait and see how this one plays out.

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