Key Takeaways:
- Spanish sources report Ibrahima Konaté has reached a preliminary agreement to join Real Madrid on a free transfer
- Konaté’s Liverpool contract expires at the end of the current season and he has reportedly turned down three extension offers
- If finalised, Konaté will join a list of stars including Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold to move on a free to Real Madrid
Konaté Poised to Depart Liverpool for Real Madrid
Reports from Spain suggest that Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté is set to depart Anfield, with a preliminary agreement believed to be in place that would see the French international join Real Madrid as a free agent. Spanish media outlet Fichajes claims Konaté has rebuffed three separate offers to extend his stay with the Merseyside club, solidifying expectations that he will leave when his contract concludes at the end of the current season.
Ibrahima Konaté has rejected a third contract offer from Liverpool.📝❌
[@marca] pic.twitter.com/7xEPSrqyBt
— Liverpool News (@LFCVine) September 9, 2025
Details of the Proposed Move
According to Fichajes, Konaté and Real Madrid have settled on terms for a deal valid until 2031, should the transfer be finalised. The 25-year-old defender, who has reportedly been among the lowest earners in Arne Slot’s squad despite his key role, is widely believed to be pursuing improved terms with the Spanish giants. The approach is consistent with Real Madrid’s recent transfer strategy, having also secured free signings such as David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Kylian Mbappé in recent years.
| Player | Previous Club | Move to Real Madrid | Transfer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Alaba | Bayern Munich | 2021 | Free Transfer |
| Antonio Rüdiger | Chelsea | 2022 | Free Transfer |
| Kylian Mbappé | Paris Saint-Germain | 2024 | Free Transfer |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool | Pending | Free Transfer (Preliminary Agreement) |
Liverpool Faces Further Departures
Konaté’s expected exit would mark another significant change in the Liverpool squad, with Trent Alexander-Arnold having already made the switch to Madrid earlier this summer for a nominal fee. The loss of yet another key defender could leave Arne Slot with additional challenges as the club navigates a period of transition.
