Real Madrid sign Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer

Real Madrid sign Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer Real Madrid have announced the signing of French centre-back Ibrahima Konate following his departure from Liverpool this summer. Los Blancos have agreed a four-year deal with the France international, which will keep him at Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of June 2030. Konate’s Liverpool exit comes after several negotiations over a new contract that ultimately led nowhere, with neither party able to see eye to eye on key details. The Frenchman wanted a contract proposal that reflected his importance to the club, but Liverpool were adamant about tying his new deal to his performances. Having failed to find common ground, Konate ultimately saw out his contract at Liverpool and is now set to join Madrid at the start of next month. Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a reported £35 million, Konate made 183 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions. During his time at Anfield, he helped the club win the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups. Konate, who is currently part of France’s squad at the FIFA World Cup, recently reflected on his departure from Liverpool and expressed disappointment that he was unable to properly say goodbye to supporters. “I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game,” Konated said (via the BBC ). “At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you, Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter.” Konate is the latest addition to Madrid’s squad, with new manager Jose Mourinho looking to build a team capable of wrestling the La Liga title away from Barcelona. He becomes the club’s fourth summer signing after Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella.