Real Madrid’s new defensive signing excited after recent transfer: ‘Still can’t believe it’

Real Madrid’s new defensive signing excited after recent transfer: ‘Still can’t believe it’ Ibrahima Konate is one of Real Madrid’s many new signings this summer but still remains the only big arrival they have secured in central defence. Given David Alaba’s departure from the club, Los Blancos had a vacancy in the squad in that department and he has arrived as a free agent to fill that same void. Jose Mourinho rates the player highly, but it remains to be seen if the manager sees the player as a regular starter in his dynamics once he officially joins training and links up with the group next month. Konate’s thoughts on his move The French national team defender and new Real Madrid defensive signing spoke to the media via L’Equipe ahead of his team’s game against Spain in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup. France are now in the semifinals. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) As part of the routine interrogation, he was also asked a couple of questions about his club-level future and transfer to Real Madrid. In response, he had nothing but excitement to show and said, “Real Madrid is the greatest club in history. An exceptional club and it’s a dream.” The defender then spoke on how it was still dreamy that he was a Real Madrid player and that it would only sink in once he really linked up with the team. “But until I wear the shirt, I still can’t believe it.” When will Konate join Jose Mourinho’s plans? So far, Konate has not had a big part to play for France in the ongoing tournament and has been more of a bench presence than an on-field difference-maker. Will Mourinho count on Konate as a starter? (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) The new Real Madrid star only played 14 minutes in the game against Norway and stayed on the bench for all other games. Needless to say, he is likely to continue in the reserved role for the rest of the event. Yet, his participation in the competition and progression so deep into the event means that he will not join Jose Mourinho’s plans this month. In the best-case scenario, he will only link up with his new club teammates in the first week of August when he returns from his vacation after the World Cup.