Konaté Set For Real Madrid Switch As Free Transfer Deal Agreed With Liverpool Defender

French international defender Ibrahima Konaté is reportedly set to join Real Madrid after reaching a verbal agreement on a four-year contract with the Spanish giants following his departure from Liverpool at the end of his deal.

According to Ireporter Online, Konaté, 27, has confirmed that he will leave Anfield when his contract expires in June, bringing an end to his five-year spell with the Premier League club. Talks over a renewal with Liverpool reportedly collapsed due to disagreements over valuation and salary structure.

The centre-back, who joined from RB Leipzig in a £35 million deal in 2021, departs after making 183 appearances for the Reds, during which he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cup titles.

Reports indicate that Konaté has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and will officially sign once the club concludes its presidential elections. The proposed deal is expected to run for four years, with an option for an additional year.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to have played a decisive role in securing the agreement, while incoming manager José Mourinho has reportedly given his approval as part of defensive reinforcements for the squad.

The French defender was also linked with several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona, as well as interest from Saudi Arabian sides, but ultimately chose a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Konaté is expected to strengthen Real Madrid’s backline amid ongoing concerns over injuries and the futures of key defenders such as David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger. He is seen as part of a long-term defensive plan alongside Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, and Raúl Asencio.

If completed, the move will see Konaté become the second Liverpool player in successive summers to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, following Trent Alexander-Arnold.