It is almost certain that Barcelona will sign a new central defender next summer, since they only have four senior options after the departure of Inigo Martinez to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. There are no plans for a replacement that is now signed because of the club's financial misery, which would also mean that the free agent market will certainly be viewed again.
A number of center backs have been connected to Barcelona in recent weeks, but Ibrahima Konate has been one of the more surprising names. The Liverpool – defender is in the last 12 months of his contract in Anfield, and at this stage he has not shown any signs of wanting to sign a renewal – which would mean that he would be available for free next summer.
Real Madrid is very interested in Konate, and they are considering signing him as a free agent – although they can bring these plans forward this summer. However, Barcelona is also willing to enter the race.
As reported by Semper Barca, Barcelona is very interested in signing Konate, and they have already had preliminary conversations with the inner circle of the player. It has also been revealed that the Liverpool man would welcome a move to the Spotify Camp Nou, where he would compete for a regular starter spot next to Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Arajo.
Konate would undoubtedly be a top signing for Barcelona – and especially in the circumstances. A central defender of the start quality on a free coming in is exactly the type of company that the Catalans have to do during this treacherous period, although it will be very difficult to defeat Real Madrid with his signature-on condition that he does not renew Liverpool before next summer.