After weeks of swirling speculation, Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly chosen to part ways with Liverpool, setting the stage for a reunion with his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.
As per Marca, Real Madrid have been quietly working behind the scenes to secure the 27-year-old French defender, whose current deal with Liverpool runs through June 2026. With talks over a contract extension stalling, Madrid have ramped up negotiations, identifying Konaté as an ideal long-term replacement for David Alaba.
In a heartfelt message to Liverpool supporters, Konaté shared:
“Liverpool gave me everything — memories, trophies, and amazing teammates. But now it’s time for a new challenge. Reuniting with Trent at Madrid is something I’m genuinely looking forward to.”
Konaté joined the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million and has since made over 120 appearances, cementing his place as a crucial part of the club’s defensive core. Despite early injury setbacks, he was a key performer last season with 42 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s title pushes.
Real Madrid are now putting the final touches on a deal that would make Konaté a key figure in their evolving backline, alongside names like Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and new arrivals Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
For Liverpool, the loss of Konaté is significant, particularly with Virgil van Dijk nearing the twilight of his career. As the summer window intensifies, manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure to secure a high-quality defensive reinforcement.
Konaté’s exit marks another major turning point at Anfield, signaling the continued transformation from the Jurgen Klopp era to Arne Slot’s new vision for the club.
