Konaté, a France international, has just one year left on his current contract with the Premier League champions. Talks over an extension haven’t gone anywhere, and there’s growing belief that he might let his deal run out and leave on a free transfer, possibly following in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by heading to Madrid next summer.
Some reports even suggest Konaté has already let Real know that he wants to join them on a free. But Liverpool might not want to wait that long. Instead, they could cash in now and use the opportunity to try to land Rodrygo, who is facing some uncertainty over his future at the Bernabéu.
According to Defensa Central, Liverpool are ready to offer Konaté plus €35 million (about £30.4 million) for Rodrygo. Real Madrid, while open to selling the Brazilian forward for the right price, are not expected to accept that offer as it stands. They are likely to push for more cash if Liverpool make a formal bid.
Arsenal were previously linked with Rodrygo as well, but their focus has shifted toward other targets like Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyökeres.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Rodrygo’s situation, especially with growing doubts over Luis Díaz’s future. Díaz is reportedly on Barcelona’s radar as a backup option if they cannot land Nico Williams. Talks over extending Díaz’s deal beyond 2027 have not made any headway either.
Rodrygo has not exactly been central to Real Madrid’s plans recently. He only played 92 minutes at the Club World Cup and did not get off the bench in their 4–0 semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. A move to the Premier League could suit him, just as a switch to Madrid might be the fresh start Konaté is looking for.
Still, this kind of high-profile swap deal is never easy. Real Madrid are expected to drive a hard bargain, especially after Liverpool made them pay a small fee to release Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup. That experience reportedly left a mark, and now Madrid want to show they can negotiate just as firmly.
