Ibrahima Konaté has revealed in a light-hearted comment that his close friend and French teammate Kylian Mbappé has been “pressuring” him to join Real Madrid following the striker’s sensational move to the Spanish capital.
The Liverpool defender joked: “Mbappé pressuring me to join Real Madrid? He calls me every two hours!” While delivered with humor, the remark reflects just how influential Mbappé’s transfer has been on conversations among France’s national team stars.
Mbappé, who finally sealed his long-anticipated switch to Real Madrid earlier this year, has wasted no time making an impact on and off the pitch. His presence at the Santiago Bernabéu has not only boosted Madrid’s star power but also sparked speculation about which top players he might attract to join him.
Konaté, one of Europe’s most highly regarded central defenders, has been linked with several elite clubs in recent years, though Liverpool remains determined to keep him as part of their long-term plans. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been crucial to the Reds’ defensive stability, and with Jürgen Klopp’s departure marking the start of a new era at Anfield, the Frenchman is considered a cornerstone of the rebuild.
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The humorous remark also highlights the camaraderie within France’s national team camp. Mbappé and Konaté share a strong bond, often seen laughing together during training sessions and press conferences. With France preparing for major tournaments, that unity could prove vital both on and off the field.
Historically, Real Madrid has often benefited from players recruiting their compatriots or friends. From Zinedine Zidane influencing the arrival of French stars in the early 2000s, to Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos shaping Madrid’s golden era, the club thrives on superstar networks. Mbappé’s presence could well set the stage for another wave of elite talents considering Madrid as their next destination.
For now, Konaté’s playful comments remain just that—jokes. But with Mbappé already at Madrid and the club’s tradition of luring world-class talent, football fans will keep a close eye on whether light-hearted banter turns into transfer reality in the years ahead.
