.jpg){kind=link}
French international centre-back Ibrahima Konate is set to complete a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid after he confirmed that he will be leaving Liverpool as a free agent.
Reports suggest that Konate’s representatives are in talks with Los Blancos officials over a move.
Konate enjoyed a successful Reds career
The 27-year-old joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig. Since joining the Merseyside club, the centre-back has made 183 appearances. During his five years with the club, Konate has helped his team win the Premier League title, two League Cups and one FA Cup.
There had been speculation that Konate would extend his contract. However, he recently confirmed that he will leave the Reds this summer upon the expiration of his contract after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on fresh terms.
Real Madrid are looking to reshape their defence this summer
Media reports suggest that one of the priorities for returning head coach Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid this summer is to reshape his defence, despite Los Blancos conceding the fewest goals in La Liga in the 2025/26 season.
Considering a proven centre-back in his prime on a free transfer wouldn’t be a bad start to that defensive rebuild.
A summer of change at Liverpool
Liverpool is also undergoing a summer of change. The recent departure of head coach Arne Slot followed the exits of Reds legend Mohamed Salah and another Liverpool stalwart, Scottish international full-back Andy Robertson.
The Merseyside club spent big last summer, bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. However, the club are expected to once again splash the cash, as they look to rebuild their squad.
Despite the arrival of youngster Jeremy Jacquet, Liverpool may well move to bring in another experienced centre-back due to Konate’s departure.
The Reds already have the highly-rated Italian youngster Giovanni Leoni at the club, but the former Parma youngster missed the whole of last season due to a serious knee injury.
Leoni’s fitness status also supports the suggestion that Liverpool will look to bring in a seasoned centre-back before the start of the 2026/27 season.