Defender signs a contract until 2030 with more incomings expected this summer
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer after the France international left Liverpool at the end of his contract.
Konate becomes the latest addition to Jose Mourinho’s rebuilding project at the Bernabeu. The 27-year-old centre-back has signed a contract until 2030 and arrives as Madrid continue an extensive squad overhaul geared towards bringing two trophyless seasons to an end.
He is the club’s third confirmed signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea and Bernardo Silva from Manchester City. A deal for Inter’s Denzel Dumfries is also expected to be finalised.
Madrid had tracked Konate for more than a year after identifying him as a priority defensive target. The club explored a move when the defender entered the final year of his Liverpool contract, even though rumours emerged at some point that they had dropped their interest.
Negotiations over an extension at Anfield for Konate continued for several months before ultimately collapsing due to his wage demands. Liverpool confirmed in May that Konate would leave when his deal expired, allowing Madrid to secure the defender without paying a transfer fee.
Konate strengthens a position Mourinho has identified as needing strengthening after returning for a second spell in charge. Madrid as a club also want greater depth in central defence after the exit of David Alaba.
The France defender joins a group that includes Antonio Rudiger, who has signed a new contract, as well as Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio and Eder Militao. His arrival increases competition for places and provides Madrid with an experienced option entering the prime years of his career.
Konate leaves Liverpool after making 183 appearances and helping the club win the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups.
