Mbappé calling Premier League star to push Madrid move

November 18, 2025 Oliver Obel

A joke from Ibrahima Konaté about unexpected phone calls from Kylian Mbappé has sparked fresh debate over the Liverpool defender’s future — and highlighted just how hands-on the France captain can be as Real Madrid plan their next rebuild.

Konaté told RMC earlier this season that Mbappé “calls me every two hours,” a comment he delivered with a smile but one that quickly gained traction in France and Spain. Now, with Real Madrid assessing long-term defensive options, the remark is resurfacing at an interesting moment.

A shifting landscape in Madrid

Mbappé’s move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid in 2024 reshaped the club’s attack overnight. And while the team has endured an uneven spell in terms of trophies, his numbers remain exceptional. SportBible counts 62 goals and seven assists in 75 appearances — production that places him among the most influential arrivals in recent seasons.

His first year also brought changes off the field. Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to lead Brazil opened the door for Xabi Alonso to step in from Bayer Leverkusen, ushering in a reorganized technical plan and a refreshed defensive unit that included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen.

Madrid consider their defensive future

With veterans David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger approaching the end of their contracts, Real Madrid are expected to gauge the center-back market carefully. Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has been referenced in English and Spanish reporting, but Konaté’s name keeps returning — partly because of Mbappé’s teasing persistence, and partly because his contract situation invites attention.

At 26, Konaté is entering what should be the prime years of his career. His Liverpool deal runs through 2026, meaning he could legally negotiate a pre-contract with a foreign club as soon as January if no extension is reached.

Konaté addresses the rumors again

Asked this week about the growing noise surrounding his future, Konaté told RMC:

“I've seen a lot of things (smiles)! Liverpool have reportedly made me a new offer, I don't know where that information came from... My agents are still in discussions with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it.”

He has had a difficult season at club level, a factor that has added uncertainty at a time when Liverpool themselves are navigating transition.

A wider race for reinforcements

Konaté is not the only French defender being monitored from afar. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, also contracted until 2026, has been linked intermittently in Spanish and German media. Renewal talks in Munich have been mentioned but not fully clarified, adding to speculation ahead of the summer window.

For now, Real Madrid’s planning remains open-ended. Alonso is expected to adjust the squad gradually rather than dramatically — but if Mbappé truly is phoning teammates every few hours, his influence could shape more than just Madrid’s attack in the months ahead.

Sources: SportBible, RMC