Ibrahima Konaté is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after departing Liverpool, according to reports from Spanish publication AS. The French defender has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with an additional one-year option, pending the outcome of the club’s presidential elections.
Konaté, 25, has been a regular in Liverpool’s squad since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021, making over 90 appearances for the Premier League side. He played a key role in their defensive setup under Jürgen Klopp, contributing to their consistent challenge for major honours. However, with his contract expiring, he has opted to seek a new challenge in Spain.
Real Madrid have been increasingly focused on acquiring players on free transfers in recent years, a strategy that has seen them bring in high-profile names such as Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Trent Alexander-Arnold without paying transfer fees. This approach allows the club to allocate resources elsewhere, maintaining a competitive squad while adhering to financial sustainability.
The deal is contingent on Florentino Pérez being re-elected as Real Madrid president on Sunday, facing a challenge from Enrique Riquelme. Should Pérez secure another term, the signing of Konaté will likely be swiftly confirmed. The addition of Konaté would provide Real Madrid with further depth in their central defence, complementing existing options and potentially offering a long-term solution in that position. This move would also mark the arrival of a current international player who has featured in the World Cup, something the club has lacked in that position recently.
