Real Madrid are close to finalising a four-year contract with Ibrahima Konaté to join once he officially leaves Liverpool.
AS report that the French centre-back is set to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer, with Jose Mourinho already approving the deal.
Real Madrid push
According to the newspaper, Real Madrid have recognised that they must prioritise strengthening their defence this summer. The objective is to make multiple signings in the defence, which has been hampered by injuries.
Jose Mourinho has approved the plan, and Florentino Pérez plans to back it if he re-elected on Sunday as expected.
Ibrahima Konaté is a key figure in their plans. According to AS’ information, Florentino Pérez is very close to securing the centre-back’s arrival. He will finalise a four-year deal for the 27-year-old, plus the option of another, if he wins the elections.
Konaté is leaving Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the month. He has already announced his decision to leave Anfield despite the Reds’ best efforts to renew his deal.
Real Madrid repeat Liverpool trick
Real Madrid have moved, backed by an endorsement from Kylian Mbappé. The pair are friends and the forward has indicated that the Liverpool defender would be a good addition to the squad.
While the centre-back isn’t seen as ‘top-class’, his physical attributes make him attractive to Mourinho. The Portuguese boss is set to return as manager this summer if Pérez is re-elected.
With a contract offer in place, only a signing bonus needs to be agreed upon. Real Madrid have targeted big free transfers for a while, and of course, signed Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in the same manner last year.
Konaté also has offers from Bayern Munich, PSG and ‘almost all’ the members of the Premier League’s Big Six. His inclusion in the World Cup could increase the competition, hence Real Madrid’s efforts to accelerate the deal now.