Liverpool legend John Barnes has warned Ibrahima Konate that signing for Real Madrid comes with plenty of risk as the defender prepares to leave Anfield as a free agent.
Barnes Highlights Alexander-Arnold's Struggles
The iconic Barnes used Konate's former team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold as a reason for why the grass isn't always greener at the Bernabeu. Alexander-Arnold has been left out of England's World Cup squad after a difficult season in Spain.
Konate, currently with France at the World Cup, will end his five-year association with the Reds when his terms expire at the end of this month, with Spanish giants Real touted as his next destination.
Real Madrid's Interest
Real president Florentino Perez declared that Konate would be prioritised as a signing should he prevail in their recent elections. The centre-back leaves Liverpool having won the League Cup, FA Cup and Premier League while on Merseyside.
Liverpool were keen to tie Konate down to new terms but long-standing contract talks, which began in November 2023, were unable to lead to a compromise. The Reds will lose an international defender who has just 27 for nothing.
Barnes Advises Caution
Barnes admits he is not surprised to see Madrid emerge as a destination for Konate but believes the fortunes of Alexander-Arnold is enough for the outgoing Reds man to think twice about a move to the Spanish capital.
“Nothing surprises me in football,” Barnes told Betfred. “Things may have not worked out last season, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad player because you don’t become a bad player overnight.
“A new environment could suit him and I’m sure he’ll do well. You need to look at whether the environment of Real Madrid will suit him and you look at how it’s gone for Trent Alexander-Arnold there and it hasn’t worked out.
“Trent’s a fantastic player, but it highlights that you need to find an environment that suits you. Players come and players go but the club is always here.”
Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for £36m in the summer of 2021.
