Ibrahima Konate's coach backs Liverpool defender to join Real Madrid and take star's place

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been backed to join Real Madrid and take Antonio Rudiger's place at centre-back. Konate, 26, is stalling on a new deal at Anfield after turning down Liverpool's first offer.

The Frenchman was reportedly unhappy with the payment structure, with the contract heavily based meeting performance targets. Konate's representatives have been pushing for a higher basic wage and there are fears that he could choose to run down his current deal and leave Liverpool on a free transfer in June 2026, having rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

His uncertain future has prompted speculation of a move to Madrid and Real are no strangers to signing players at the end of their contracts - especially from Liverpool. The Spanish giants convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold to reject a new deal with his boyhood club this year and have previously signed stars like David Alaba, Kylian Mbappe and Rudiger on free transfers.

And it's Rudiger who'd better watch out if Konate joins that list, according to his former youth coach at French club Sochaux. Eric Hely believes that the 26-year-old is better than Rudiger and would slot into Xabi Alonso's side.

"I'd say better than Rudiger, who is undoubtedly an athlete, but I think Ibrahima is technically stronger," Hely told Marca. "I'm sure he can succeed at Madrid and wherever he wants.

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"I think he'd fit in very well with Xabi. He can play in a three-man defence, as he did at [RB] Leipzig, and in a four-man defence. He's a kid who never caused any problems.

"I remember when he came from Paris to stay at our residence. And he was always there to help and make life easier. The other kids followed him because of his charisma."

Hely went on to say: "I would highlight his charisma and his simplicity, which make him a leader. He was very clear about that for a boy his age. He wanted to succeed and worked tirelessly, even on his own.

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"He'll listen and learn, and then he'll establish himself in the group with his personality. I don't see him as [Raphael] Varane. He's more of a [Marcel] Desailly type. He gives off a lot of confidence and has a very good footwork."

Arne Slot would be reluctant to lose Konate, although the Reds have registered their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The England international is also out of contract next summer, potentially allowing Liverpool to employ the same tactic as Real by signing Guehi without paying a fee.

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