Image Credits: Imago Images
Real Madrid has officially announced the signing of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer.
The move ends his five-year spell at Anfield, with the French centre-back departing Liverpool on a free after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new deal, despite talks dating back to October 2024.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported that his bonuses were the sticking point in the Frenchman’s negotiations with Liverpool, surrounding things like number of appearances as well as competition objectives like winning the Champions League.
It seemed a very trivial thing to be able to deny a contract extension, but the decision was made.
The defender who cost the club £35 million back in 2021 now officially departs without a penny in return.
Everyone in Spain knew this one was coming. Florentino Perez effectively built his re-election bid around Konate, repeatedly naming the defender as a flagship promise of his campaign.
Konate is set to earn €24 million gross per season. On top of the wages, the 27-year-old is also in line to pocket a €20 million signing-on bonus, courtesy of his free-agent status.
A statement from the Spanish giants has confirmed that he will sign on a four-year deal:
“Real Madrid C. F. and Ibrahima Konaté have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030.”