Konate Closes In On Free Transfer To Real Madrid

French centre-back Ibrahima Konate is reportedly deep in negotiations with Real Madrid over a summer switch to the Spanish capital, with a free transfer looking increasingly likely.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the 27-year-old is on the verge of agreeing personal terms with the Champions League holders. His current deal at Anfield expires at the end of June, and Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that he will be leaving at the conclusion of his contract.

Konate had previously held talks over an extension on Merseyside, but those discussions broke down due to a disagreement with the club over both his valuation and wage demands.

During his time at Liverpool, the Frenchman made 183 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups. He originally joined from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a £35 million fee.

Konate is now set to follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer — making him the second Reds player in successive years to head to the Bernabéu without a transfer fee.