Konaté to Real Madrid? AS Cast Fresh Doubt on Move – KopTalk

AS have as we speak revealed a chunk suggesting that Ibrahima Konaté might not be as nailed-on for Actual Madrid as many would have you ever imagine.

Written by Manu de Juan, the article highlights Arsenal’s William Saliba as essentially the most interesting choice for Madrid’s defensive rebuild in 2026, whereas describing Konaté as a much less convincing sporting selection – solely engaging as a result of he might be accessible without spending a dime subsequent summer time.

That evaluation is sort of an identical to the best way Madrid-based media spoke about Trent Alexander-Arnold final yr. On the time, he too was described as not fully convincing in sporting phrases, however a financially interesting alternative as a result of he was accessible on a free. Now, AS are making use of the very same language to Konaté.

This stands in stark distinction to MARCA and José Félix Díaz, who for weeks have been briefing that Madrid have Konaté “very superior” and even hinting that there could already be an settlement in place. Díaz has been the loudest voice in Madrid media on this saga, framing Liverpool as determined to resume the participant whereas Madrid calmly wait within the background.

AS, nevertheless, strike a really completely different tone. Their boxed pull-quote states clearly: “Konaté convinces much less in sporting phrases, however is free in just one yr.” In different phrases, Madrid admire the monetary alternative however don’t fee him as extremely on the pitch as they do Saliba. This coolness instantly undermines the understanding that MARCA have been making an attempt to venture.

So who to belief? MARCA and Díaz are famously near Florentino Pérez and ceaselessly carry the road Madrid need followers to listen to. AS, in the meantime, whereas additionally Madrid-based, typically take a extra sceptical, editorial stance. Manu de Juan is thought for calm, cautious reporting quite than hyperbole. That makes this conflict of narratives fascinating – one camp pushing inevitability, the opposite suggesting hesitation.

For Liverpool followers, the important thing takeaway is that Madrid’s curiosity is actual, however maybe not as ironclad as MARCA would really like us to imagine. Whether or not that is inner disagreement inside Madrid, or just media positioning, time will inform.

As issues stand, we stay of the opinion that Konaté will nonetheless full a transfer to Actual Madrid subsequent yr – however as we speak’s AS piece is a reminder that, as all the time in Spain, the media struggle is sort of as essential because the soccer itself.

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