'Xabi Alonso's favourite': Liverpool get ANOTHER Real Madrid transfer warning

Liverpool are going to have to contend with some pretty intense Real Madrid interest in their players in transfer windows upcoming.

It’s no secret that Los Blancos admire top performers in midfield - such as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister - while the unlikely transfer of Florian Wirtz to the Bernabeu has also been mooted in recent weeks.

Having seen Trent Alexander-Arnold leave for the Spanish capital club in a £10m deal last summer, sporting director Richard Hughes will be on guard against Madrid interest in the club’s best performers in 2026.

Real Madrid prepare defensive overhaul

One player who the Premier League champions may be powerless to prevent leaving is Ibrahima Konate.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in summer 2026 - and so far no successful renewal talks have taken place. Liverpool bosses have got until January before the France international is permitted to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs about a Bosman deal.

Madrid will be at the front of the queue for Konate - as Xabi Alonso prepares a defensive overhaul which should see Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba depart.

Konate is Xabi Alonso's favourite

It looks like Liverpool are on alert to the possibility of Konate leaving - as transfer links have intensified around Marc Guehi, Nico Schlotterbeck and others in recent weeks.

Madrid are also reported to be keen on that duo - but according to a new report in Defensa Central, Alonso has got Konate top of his wishlist.

“If Xabi Alonso has to choose, his favorite is Konaté, but he wouldn't mind the arrival of Guehi or Schlotterbeck to boost the level of the Real Madrid defense,” the report reads.

Could Liverpool move for Guehi or Schlotterbeck?

Konate has been at Anfield since 2021 - when he joined on a £35m deal from RB Leipzig. The Reds would be keen to extend his deal and ensure he doesn’t leave for free.

But perhaps it’s a positive sign for the chases involving both Guehi AND Schlotterbeck that Madrid are beginning to back off those two.

Liverpool may well lose Konate next summer - but in Guehi and Schlotterbeck they have the option of signing two top-quality internationals. Let’s see how this one plays out.

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