Kylian Mbappé has reportedly stepped in to influence Real Madrid’s transfer plans, urging the club to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté in 2026.
According to Spanish outlet E-Noticies, the France captain has “personally recommended” Konaté to Madrid president Florentino Pérez, describing the Liverpool centre-back as “one of the best in the world in his position.”
The report follows claims from Marca that Konaté, who is out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 season, has emerged as Madrid’s top defensive target. The European champions hope to sign him on a free transfer next summer as part of their long-term defensive rebuild.
Mbappé’s endorsement reportedly came after he “saw firsthand that Konaté is a true defensive wall” during Liverpool’s 1–0 Champions League win over Madrid at Anfield last week. The striker, impressed by his strength, pace, and composure, has now told club chiefs that his national teammate would be a perfect addition to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
“Strong in the impact, quick in the cut, and with qualities that make him one of the best in the world in his position,” the report said of Konaté.
Mbappé and Konaté share a close relationship from their time with the France national team, and this isn’t the first time the Madrid forward has been linked with convincing his compatriot to join him in Spain.
Back in September, Konaté joked during an interview with Telefoot:
“He [Mbappé] calls me every two hours.”
Spanish media also claimed that Mbappé planned to speak directly with Konaté during the November international break to persuade him further.
Madrid have a long history of using their stars to recruit top players during international duty. Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined from Liverpool in 2025, admitted that conversations with Jude Bellingham at England camps helped convince him to move to the Bernabéu.
As for Konaté, his contract situation makes him an attractive target for Madrid, who are keen to refresh their backline as Nacho Fernández and David Alaba approach the final stages of their careers.
Meanwhile, other Real Madrid transfer stories continue to unfold:
- Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting one of Madrid’s underused forwards this season.
- Arsenal are bracing for a potential 2026 bid from Madrid for one of their key players.
- And Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the truth behind rumours of Manchester United eyeing a loan move for Endrick in January.
If Mbappé’s influence pays off, Real Madrid could be set to add another world-class French talent to their growing Galáctico roster in 2026.
