Mourinho eyes Liverpool’s Van Dijk as Real Madrid seek defensive boost

Real Madrid are desperate to shore up their defence ahead of the revamped 2025 Club World Cup, and manager Jose Mourinho has set his sights on Liverpool’s best player in what could be a zero‑cost deal. The Spanish giants have already paid €10m / £8.5m for a right‑back despite the player being a month shy of free agency, and they now have their sights on Trent Konate as part of the same strategy.

In recent months Los Blancos have shown a clear pattern of poaching Liverpool talent, first securing Trent Alexander‑Arnold in the summer before adding Ibrahima Konate shortly afterwards.

Right‑back reinforcement for the Club World Cup

Alexander‑Arnold received a competitive contract offer from the Reds, yet his focus remained on the Bernabeu, prompting Real to meet his demands with a €10m / £8.5m fee despite his imminent free‑agency status. The move underlines Real’s willingness to spend modest sums to acquire top‑class English full‑backs.

Konate, meanwhile, was open to re‑signing at Anfield, but after Liverpool failed to reach a satisfactory agreement, he opted for a free transfer to the Bernabeu, reinforcing the Spanish side’s back line without a fee.

Mourinho’s centre‑back quest

Mourinho has long wanted another centre‑back beyond Konate, a desire that lingered last summer but was thwarted when Raul Asensio did not depart Real Madrid. He reiterated his need for a new defender, stating that the club’s failure to move Asensio forced them to rely on existing personnel for now.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, is set to become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season. Real could repeat the Konate free‑transfer model with Van Dijk, given his superb early‑season form and his partnership with 14‑year‑younger Jeremy Jacquet.

Competing suitors and next steps

Italian reports suggest AC Milan are also eyeing Van Dijk, with journalist Carlo Pellegatti quoting that Milan’s owner Gerry Cardinale has indicated the club would either pay now or secure the defender for free next year. Pellegatti insists his comments are not speculative.

If Liverpool cannot offer Van Dijk a fresh contract, the defender will have high‑profile options, with Real Madrid and AC Milan among the most likely destinations. Mourinho’s pursuit of a new centre‑back and the unresolved status of Raul Asensio remain the main obstacles to finalising any deal.