Barcelona has set the transfer market abuzz by reportedly initiating talks with a key Liverpool defender.
With the departure of Inigo Martinez to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the Catalan giants are on the hunt for a top-tier center-back to solidify their backline.
Reports suggest that the club has initiated surprising discussions to secure a high-profile signing from the Premier League, aiming to capitalize on an expiring contract and add steel to Hansi Flick’s squad.
The target in question is Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, whose contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season.
According to Sempre-Barca, Barcelona has held talks with the 26-year-old Frenchman’s representatives, exploring the possibility of a move to the Camp Nou.
Konate, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, is reportedly open to the idea of joining Barça, especially as his future at Liverpool remains uncertain.
The Reds, still reeling from losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid for a modest fee, are desperate to avoid letting another star walk away for free.
Liverpool would demand around $60 million for Konate, but his priority is resolving his contract situation at Anfield, making a transfer to Catalonia a challenging prospect for now.
Barcelona’s interest in Konate comes at a critical time as Flick seeks to build a robust defense capable of competing on all fronts.
The departure of Martinez has left a gap, and Konate’s physicality, aerial prowess, and ball-playing ability make him an ideal fit for Barça’s system.
However, the club is proceeding cautiously, only willing to pursue the deal if Liverpool signals openness to negotiations.
This strategic approach reflects Barcelona’s financial constraints and its focus on opportunistic signings.
While Konate’s potential move remains speculative, it underscores Barcelona’s ambition to strengthen its squad with proven talent.
As the transfer window heats up, the Blaugrana faithful will be watching closely to see if Flick can lure the Liverpool star to Spain, adding a new dimension to their defensive setup for the La Liga campaign.
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