Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool departure was confirmed last week and now the France international is closing in on completing a move to another club
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 15: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool acknowledges the fans as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate is closing in on a move after leaving Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Ibrahima Konate is 'close' to agreeing a deal with Real Madrid after his Liverpool exit was confirmed.
The Reds announced in a statement on Sunday that Konate would be leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer. The 27-year-old has spent the last five years at Anfield following a £36million move from RB Leipzig, making 183 appearances and winning four major trophies, including the Premier League and the FA Cup.
Although Konate suggested in mid-April that his long-term future would remain at Liverpool, he has decided to leave and is poised to complete a move to Real Madrid. According to The Telegraph, Madrid is Konate's preferred destination and a move is expected to happen assuming Florentino Perez is re-elected as club president.
Los Blancos had identified Konate as a top target last summer, knowing his contract was about to expire and wanted to take him as a free agent to strengthen their back-line. But, after Konate made it clear he was "close to an agreement" with Liverpool, Real appeared to cool their interest in the centre-back.
Konate even made his stance clear that he wanted to remain at the Reds and sign fresh terms. "For sure there is a big chance I'm here next season," he said after Liverpool's win at Everton on April 18. "This is what I always wanted."
Now, however, a move is back on following Konate's U-Turn and decision to quit the Reds, which was confirmed in a club statement on the weekend. "Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future."
Ibrahima Konate is closing in on a move to Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate is closing in on a move to Real Madrid(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Soon after, Konate then sent a message to the Liverpool fans on Instagram, thanking them for the support across the last half-a-decade. "Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams," Konate wrote. "Today I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"Representing this club has been an honour. We've shared incredible moments together...highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever. None more painful than losing my brother, Diogo.
"Losing my father earlier this year was one of the hardest periods of my life but even through that hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During my toughest moments, I gave everything for the badge. 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. Anfield is truly a special place and playing in front of you was something that I never took for granted.
"I am deeply saddened that I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at my last game. At that moment I didn't know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate is leaving Liverpool(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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"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."
Should Konate move to Real, he would work under ex-Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho for the first time, after he agreed a shock return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Portuguese tactician has signed a three-year deal to become Real's new head coach for a second time and will be unveiled after the club's presidential election, which is due to take place on June 7. However, Mourinho's contract will only be valid if Perez, who has been the club's president for 25 years, remains in his role.
Konate could become the third big-name free agent Real have signed across the last three years. Kylian Mbappe arrived in a blockbuster deal from Paris Saint-Germain, before Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was signed for £10million after Real agreed an early release of his contract to play in the Club World Cup, moved from Liverpool.