Ibrahima Konaté Set for Real Madrid Move on Free Transfer

Real Madrid are actively pursuing a deal to sign Ibrahima Konaté after the Liverpool defender’s contract expires on June 30.

The 27-year-old France international will leave Anfield as a free agent following the breakdown of lengthy contract negotiations. Konaté told reporters in April that he was “close to an agreement,” but both sides ultimately failed to reach a deal.

Real Madrid had previously informed Liverpool late last year that they were not interested in signing Konaté. However, the Spanish club have now reignited their pursuit as they seek to strengthen their defence.

David Alaba is leaving on a free transfer this summer, while Eder Militao has continued fitness issues, creating a need for centre-back reinforcements.

Incoming head coach Jose Mourinho has been focused on strengthening the defence. Mourinho, who has reportedly signed a three-year contract to return for a second spell at the Bernabeu, is aware of the deals being worked on in advance of his arrival.

A report from Onda Cero’s Alberto Pereiro claims that soon-to-be Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reached an agreement with Konaté, and the defender will join once Perez wins the upcoming presidential elections on June 7.

Konaté had long been in talks with Liverpool over a new deal, with discussions going back to October 2024. The defender explained the delay by saying, “This is negotiation. With Virgil (van Dijk) and Mo (Salah) last season, it was exactly the same. I think they signed their contracts in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”

“For a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” Konaté said earlier this year. “This is what I always wanted. I have a special relationship not only with the fans, but with every single person who works at the club.”

Liverpool confirmed his departure before he joined up with the France squad for the World Cup. The club now face a defensive shortage, left with a 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and young players Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, both recovering from serious injuries.

Real Madrid are also making Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries their top target to strengthen at right-back, having held talks with the 30-year-old who has a €20 million release clause.