Ibrahima Konate is closing in on a four-year agreement with Real Madrid, after confirming he would leave Liverpool after talks over a contract extension fell through
15:03, 02 Jun 2026Updated 15:14, 02 Jun 2026
Ibrahima Konate is finalizing a contract agreement with Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate is finalizing a contract agreement with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool is preparing to lose a second defender to Real Madrid in 12 months, with Ibrahima Konate set to follow Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital.
Konate announced on social media that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract, which expires June 30. Konate had been in talks with Liverpool over an extension, but negotiations stalled, and now the club will lose a valuable asset for nothing.
The French defender informed his teammates of the decision, and now Liverpool will say farewell to Konate, Mohamed Salah, and Andy Robertson, with head coach Arne Slot also parting ways. Konate had been the subject of interest from Chelsea, but is closing in on Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Konate has verbally agreed to a four-year deal with Madrid. The signing hinges on the re-election of Madrid president Florentino Perez, but incoming head coach Jose Mourinho is a fan of the 27-year-old.
Konate also attracted interest from Chelsea and Saudi Arabian clubs, but put negotiations with Madrid on hold. Liverpool has a history of losing star players to Madrid and Barcelona, but it only lost Alexander-Arnold last summer.
While it was a disappointing year for Liverpool, Madrid also failed to win silverware, leading to Xabi Alonso's departure as head coach. Alvaro Arbeloa, another former Liverpool player, took charge on an interim basis.
Konate will join Trent Alexander-Arnold at Madrid
Konate will join Trent Alexander-Arnold at Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Despite choosing to leave Liverpool, Konate said it wasn't an easy decision, but he wanted a fresh start. "Dear Liverpool. Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life," Konate wrote in a statement.
"Representing this club has been an honor. We have shared incredible moments together… with highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
"Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.
Liverpool will be forced to sign another defender in the summer
Liverpool will be forced to sign another defender in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
"To my teammates, coaches, staff, and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day. And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support.
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"Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted. I am deeply saddened now that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game.
"At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
"I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you again soon, Inshallah. YNWA."