**Kylian Mbappe Urges Real Madrid to Sign Liverpool Defender Ibrahima Konate**
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has reportedly requested the club to pursue Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as their top defensive target. Konate, who joined Liverpool from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in July 2021 for a reported €40 million fee, has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as one of the world’s best centre-backs.
Known for his physical strength, blistering speed, and aerial prowess, Konate has made 148 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions. He played a crucial role in helping the Reds secure the 2024-25 Premier League title, as well as two EFL Cup trophies and an FA Cup triumph.
With Konate’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, several elite clubs are vying for his signature. According to Marca, Real Madrid has made the 26-year-old defender their top priority for defensive reinforcements. E-Noticies further reports that Mbappe, who has shared the pitch 21 times with Konate for France, has personally recommended the defender following Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in November.
Mbappe is said to have noted Konate’s performance, stating that he “saw firsthand that Konate is a true defensive wall.” While Konate would be a valuable addition to Real Madrid’s backline, concerns remain regarding his injury history. Despite being just 26 years old, he has missed over 110 games for club and country due to various injuries.
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**Mbappe Expresses Support for Paul Pogba’s Comeback**
In additional news, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has voiced his hope for former Manchester United and France teammate Paul Pogba to revive his footballing career. Pogba, who failed a drug test while at Juventus in October 2023, was handed a provisional suspension before receiving a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February 2024. He successfully appealed, reducing his ban to 18 months.
Pogba made his long-awaited return earlier this year by signing a two-year contract with AS Monaco in June 2025. However, he has yet to make an appearance for the Ligue 1 side due to ongoing fitness issues, including a recently suffered ankle injury.
In an interview with TF1, Mbappe expressed his optimism for Pogba’s comeback:
> “I think a lot of people are placing a lot of hope in his return. I think he’s a player who gives a different feeling, a player who has never left anyone indifferent. And I think his story, because of his journey and what he’s been through in recent years, is quite moving. We want a positive ending for him, to believe that he’ll get his life and career back on track.”
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**What’s Next for Mbappe?**
Up next, Kylian Mbappe will feature for France as they take on Ukraine in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture on Thursday, November 13.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-kylian-mbappe-personally-requests-real-madrid-sign-26-year-old-premier-league-star-reports