Barcelona, Real Madrid Target Konaté Amid Leverkusen Signing Badé

Barcelona is targeting Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konaté as a key defensive reinforcement to replace Iñigo Martínez, with sporting director Deco aiming to secure the signing ahead of rival clubs including Real Madrid. Konaté's physicality and defensive skills align with coach Hansi Flick's vision of a balanced defense, and Deco's strong agent connections in the French market could facilitate the transfer. Meanwhile, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has strengthened his squad with four new signings, including defenders Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, though the club's hierarchy is reluctant to approve further spending despite Alonso's wishes. Alonso previously attempted to bring Mastantuono to Bayer Leverkusen while coaching there, but Real Madrid's timely intervention secured the player's transfer. Real Madrid's plans to bolster their defense further with Konaté have stalled, as the club considers the squad complete and is hesitant to increase transfer expenditures. Additionally, Sevilla defender Loic Badé, pursued by both Barcelona and Real Madrid, surprised many by choosing to join Bayer Leverkusen for Champions League football and better financial terms, a move that even Alonso found unexpected.