Ibrahima Konaté is reportedly leaving Liverpool after weeks of speculation, setting the stage for a reunion with former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.
As reported by Marca, Real Madrid has been quietly planning a move for the 27-year-old French defender, whose current Liverpool deal expires in June 2026. With talks over a contract extension hitting a wall, the Spanish giants have ramped up efforts, identifying Konaté as an ideal long-term replacement for David Alaba.
In a farewell message to Liverpool supporters, Konaté shared:
“Liverpool gave me everything—memories, trophies, and amazing teammates. But now, I’m ready for a new challenge. I’m genuinely thrilled to team up with Trent again at Madrid.”
Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million, Konaté has played over 120 matches for Liverpool, becoming a key defensive presence. Despite early injury setbacks, he made 42 appearances last season, playing a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of silverware.
Real Madrid is now finalizing the deal, aiming to make Konaté a core part of their evolving defense, which already includes high-profile names like Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Kylian Mbappé, and now, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
For Liverpool, losing Konaté is a significant loss, particularly with Virgil van Dijk nearing the end of his playing days. New manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure to find a capable replacement as the summer transfer market intensifies.
Konaté’s departure marks another key transition at Anfield, signaling a shift from the Klopp era to Slot’s emerging leadership
