Florentino Perez has expressed strong confidence that Ibrahima Konate will join Real Madrid if he is re-elected as club president, describing the Liverpool defender as a key target for next season.

Speaking in an interview with the newspaper AS, the acting president and presidential candidate stated that securing Konate’s signature would be his first move should he retain control of the club. The French centre-back’s current contract is set to expire on June 30.

Perez reiterated his long-standing commitment to bringing elite talent to Real Madrid, insisting that the club will continue to attract some of the best players in world football.

“As long as I am president, the best players in the world will play here,” Perez said. “For next season, we are going to strengthen the squad with top-quality players in every position.”

He then singled out Konate as a player he expects to bring to the Spanish giants.

“I can already assure you that if I remain president of Real Madrid, one of the world’s top defenders, Konate, will play for Real Madrid next season,” Perez said.

The Madrid chief also suggested that the France international would not be the only high-profile defensive addition, indicating that further reinforcements at the back could arrive if he continues as president.

While Florentino Perez spoke confidently about the potential signing of Ibrahima Konate, he was far more cautious when discussing the future of Nico Paz.

The young midfielder has impressed during his time at Como, emerging as one of the club’s standout performers over the past two seasons. Real Madrid retain an option to re-sign the academy graduate for €9 million, but Perez stopped short of confirming whether the club would activate the clause.

“Nico Paz is one of the great talents to come through our academy and has developed into one of Europe’s most sought-after young players,” Perez said.

“He has enjoyed an excellent season with Como in Italy and, as everyone knows, we have the option to bring him back this year. We will make that decision together with the coach and the technical staff.”

Perez’s comments suggest that the final decision will rest with Jose Mourinho and his coaching team. The Portuguese manager, whose appointment was officially announced through Perez’s election campaign channels, will assess whether the Argentine-born midfielder fits into his plans for the club’s next chapter.

For now, Paz’s return remains uncertain, with Madrid expected to evaluate the squad’s needs before making a final call on the highly-rated youngster.