Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, La Liga, Spain
Real Madrid are still looking to make additions to their first-team squad this summer, according to Xabi Alonso – and it appears they have a target in mind as they remain "open" to making improvements.
Questions were raised this week after Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final.
Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio both made uncharacteristic errors to gift PSG an early two-goal lead, and if it wasn't for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the scoreline could have been an embarrassing one for Los Blancos.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, manager Xabi Alonso was honest about their stance in the summer market.
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"We haven't talked about it during the Club World Cup but from now on we're open to making improvements," he said. "We are always looking to improve and there's room for improvement."
Dean Huijsen, who joined from Bournemouth this summer for a reported £50 million, will likely be a regular starter under Alonso, but his centre-back partner remains uncertain as Eder Militao and David Alaba continue to struggle with fitness issues.
There are currently five centre-backs in the first-team squad at Madrid, but the position is deemed in need of reinforcement. Step forward, Ibrahima Konate.
Konate is said to be keen on a summer move to Madrid, according to Spanish publication AS, who claim the France international has no intention of signing a new contract with Premier League champions Liverpool.
With that in mind, Liverpool are reportedly open to cashing in on Konate to avoid a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga.
It is said the Spanish club would prefer to sign Konate as a free agent next summer, but if a defender is sold – with David Alaba being mentioned in the report – then they could make a move in this window.
Madrid, meanwhile, are willing to pay around €20-25 million [£17.2-21.5m] for Konate this summer, but will not go any higher.
Last month, a report from The Guardian claimed Konate was left 'disappointed' by Liverpool’s contract offer. His representatives were said to be pushing for a higher basic wage after the offer was heavily based on meeting certain performance targets.
A new deal was reportedly delayed by Liverpool's focus on negotiating with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Konate moved to Liverpool from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 for £36 million. He has played 132 games for the club, which includes 42 appearances across all competitions under Arne Slot last season.
