Liverpool are bracing themselves for life without Ibrahima Konaté. The French defender has rejected contract talks and Real Madrid smell blood. Reports in Spain claim Los Blancos already consider the move a done deal for 2026, with talks under way.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing to phase him out — just as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold before his departure. Madrid could test the waters with a €15m January bid, but the Reds aren’t expected to sell cheap with a free exit looming.
Mastantuono shines in central role
Franco Mastantuono is wasting no time in showing Madridistas what he’s about. The 18-year-old Argentine lit up the Bernabéu against Espanyol, running the show from a central pocket in Xabi Alonso’s tweaked 4-2-3-1.
The numbers tell the story: 12 duels won, 6 dribbles, 2 chances created, 89% pass accuracy. His link-up play with Kylian Mbappé drew gasps from the crowd and showed why he looks far more dangerous inside than stuck out wide.
With Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler both back in the mix, competition is fierce — but Mastantuono’s daring display has fans calling for more minutes.
