Real Madrid have informed Liverpool that they will not pursue Ibrahima Konaté in 2026, according to The Athletic. The club, which has made a habit of operating in the free-agent market, made the contact directly and asked Liverpool to treat the matter as closed. As the report notes, Madrid’s recent arrivals via that route include Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, and Liverpool felt the impact of such activity with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit last summer.

The reason for Madrid’s position was not revealed. The Athletic’s report simply says the approach was “directly and unequivocally” communicated to Liverpool, cutting through persistent transfer speculation.

On the field, Konaté’s recent form has drawn attention. The defender, who was an imperious operator during last season’s Premier League title triumph, has struggled through the current campaign. Even during a run of seven straight victories at the start of the season, he rarely offered much reassurance alongside Virgil van Dijk. The most notable exception was a commanding muzzling of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres, but otherwise Konaté’s performances have been judged below the standard expected of him.

Those performances reached a new low in a midweek thumping to PSV Eindhoven. That 4–1 defeat prompted a rare public message from the normally restrained defender. “We have to take this moment on the chest,” Konaté wrote on Instagram after spending much of Wednesday’s 4–1 thrashing at the hands of PSV veering around Anfield in circles like a shopping trolley with a broken wheel. The post followed a period in which Arne Slot has taken a defiant tone when faced with Liverpool’s dire run of form, a stance that was echoed by one of his squad’s most disappointing performers.

With Madrid’s stance now on record, Liverpool can treat speculation over a 2026 move for Konaté as settled for the moment, even as questions remain over the defender’s form and the club’s response to it.

Real Madrid forward Gonzalo García is attracting interest from Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window, with Brighton & Hove Albion named among the suitors.

García scored four times to secure a long-term place in Madrid’s first-team plans, but he has seen limited minutes this season. Of his nine appearances, all but one have come from the bench and he has been an unused substitute on seven occasions.

Those playing patterns have prompted suggestions that Madrid might consider a loan move in January to aid García’s development, despite reports that he is content in the Spanish capital.

According to the Daily Mail, Brighton are one of the teams interested in taking García on loan should Real Madrid sanction a temporary move. They could be joined by newly promoted Leeds United and Sunderland, both of whom were reportedly keen on the forward last summer.

García signed a new contract with Los Blancos in August and also drew interest from Aston Villa during the most recent transfer window. The Mail added that “a number of English sides” are keeping close tabs on him.

Any decision to allow a January exit is expected to depend on the fitness of Madrid forwards Mbappé, Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz. For now, the situation looks likely to remain under review as the winter window approaches and Real Madrid assess their squad needs.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or conversation is already underway despite the trophy having just been awarded. Three different winners have emerged in the past four years, and next summer’s World Cup in North America will be decisive for many candidates.

Defenders remain rare winners, but Gabriel merits consideration after anchoring Arsenal’s rearguard alongside William Saliba while contributing goals and assists. If Arsenal end a long trophy drought and Brazil succeed at the World Cup with Gabriel central to that campaign, he could enter the debate.

Luis Díaz has left Liverpool and settled quickly at Bayern Munich, where his work rate and goalscoring have made him a fan favorite. Bayern look set to dominate domestically and will expect Díaz to play a major role in any Champions League push, though clubmates Michael Olise and Harry Kane present stiff competition for top individual honours.

Mohamed Salah has not reproduced last season’s extraordinary numbers and has struggled early in 2025–26. Liverpool’s summer recruitment has diversified Arne Slot’s attack, and Salah has not matched last season’s heights. A strong second half and international success at the Africa Cup of Nations could revive his claim.

Vitinha was third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or for his role in Paris Saint-Germain’s domestic and European run. He remains PSG’s tempo-setter and a key figure for Portugal, who will be among the World Cup contenders.

Bukayo Saka is central to Arsenal’s promising season and is a guaranteed starter for England at the World Cup. If Arsenal collect multiple trophies he will be prominent in awards discussions.

Lionel Messi could re-emerge as a frontrunner only if he inspires Argentina to retain the World Cup, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Pedri, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Yamal and Kylian Mbappé each have clear pathways laid out through club form and potential international success. Some face fitness issues or strong competition for votes, others need exceptional tournament performances.

“Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football…” Rodri said after claiming the prize in 2024, “…for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andrés] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernández], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder.”

Between domestic trophies and World Cup displays, the next year should clarify who will arrive in Paris as the front-runner.