Ibrahima Konaté signs four‑year deal with Real Madrid

French defender Ibrahima Konaté, 27, has joined Real Madrid on a four‑year contract until 30 June 2030, leaving Liverpool as a free agent after five seasons and 183 appearances. The Spanish club announced the signing on Thursday, confirming he will partner with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the defence. Konaté's Liverpool contract ran out on 30 June, allowing him to leave on a free transfer. During his five‑year spell he made 183 appearances across all competitions for the English club. Real Madrid confirmed the signing in a Thursday statement. The club wrote: "Le Real Madrid et Ibrahima Konaté ont trouvé un accord pour que le défenseur devienne un joueur du Real Madrid pour les quatre prochaines saisons, soit jusqu'au 30 juin 2030". Bayern Munich, overseen by former player‑manager Vincent Kompany, had also tracked the French centre‑back. The German side had hoped to pair Konaté with fellow French defender Dayot Upamecano, who joined Bayern in July 2021.

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At Real Madrid, Konaté will join compatriot Luis Diaz, reuniting the two former Liverpool teammates. He will also line up alongside goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the Spanish capital. The 27‑year‑old defender previously played in France and Germany before moving to Liverpool in 2021. His market value is estimated at around €50 million. Liverpool is currently undergoing a period of upheaval, with coach Arne Slot dismissed and forward Mohamed Salah departing the club. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Konaté is set to sign a four‑year deal, pending the re‑election of club president Florentino Pérez. A separate tweet noted that the player put Saudi offers on hold for Real Madrid, as cited by Marcos Benito.