Man United make offer for ‘world class’ Liverpool player but he prefers Real Madrid move

Manchester United have reportedly made an offer to sign Ibrahima Konaté this summer, but the outgoing Liverpool defender is believed to prefer a move to Real Madrid.

According to reports in Spain, United are one of several clubs to have approached the France international after it was confirmed he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires.

Chelsea and Manchester City have also been mentioned, but Konaté’s priority is said to be joining Real Madrid.

Reuters reported that Konaté will depart Liverpool after five years, with talks over a new deal collapsing because of wage disagreements.

This is a surprising story mainly because of the rivalry involved. Man United signing a player directly after he leaves Liverpool would always create huge headlines.

Can Konaté really join Man United?

Even if Konaté is technically available as a free agent, the emotional side of the move would be difficult to ignore.

From United’s point of view, the interest is understandable in football terms. Konaté is 27, experienced in the Premier League, physically dominant and still in his prime years.

Signing him without paying a transfer fee would look attractive, especially for a club trying to strengthen several areas of the squad this summer.

Virgil Van Dijk has praised Konate in the past by calling him ‘world class‘.

However, centre-back is not believed to be United’s biggest priority.

Harry Maguire signed a new contract in April, and Michael Carrick’s main focus appears to be midfield and attack.

Defender prefers a move to Real Madrid

So while United may have tested the waters, it is hard to see this being one of their most realistic summer deals.

Konaté’s exit from Liverpool is still a major development. He joined from RB Leipzig in 2021 and became an important part of the squad, helping the club win the 2024-25 Premier League title, two League Cups and an FA Cup.

But after long negotiations, Liverpool decided not to meet his wage demands, allowing him to leave on a free transfer.

Reports in Spain claim there is already movement around a potential deal, with Madrid keen to strengthen their defensive depth this summer.