Real Madrid announces Ibrahima Konate signing on a free transfer

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Ibrahima Konate as a free agent, following the defender’s exit from Liverpool at the end of his contract.

Konate failed to reach an agreement with Liverpool despite being locked in productive talks that appeared to move close to a renewal earlier this year.

Liverpool announced his exit at the end of last month, confirming that the 27-year-old would be moving on after spending five years in Merseyside.

He’s now set for a new adventure at Real Madrid.

A statement from the club reads: “Real Madrid CF and Ibrahima Konaté have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030.”

Konate’s move to Madrid will see him reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international made the move to the Bernabeu last summer.

Konate will play alongside Marc Cucurella at Real Madrid next season. (Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images) / 

Alexander-Arnold and Konate have played alongside each other 93 times in their career so far, with 59 wins, 20 draws and just 14 defeats to their name in that time.

It’s now left to be seen if they will be given a chance to play together at Madrid, with Alexander-Arnold’s place in the squad currently under threat, following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager, as well as the signing of Dumfries at right-back.

Konate becomes the third signing of Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid, following the arrivals of Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva.

The defender who is currently with the France national team at the World Cup was reportedly identified as a priority target well before the deal was finalised.