Konaté Step by Step to Real Madrid: Very Close to Deal According to AS

One of European football's hottest transfer files is very close to resolution. According to news that Spanish AS newspaper carried to the headline on Monday, a serious rapprochement was experienced between Real Madrid and Ibrahima Konaté and both sides are one step away from agreeing in principle. The 27-year-old French centre-back's contract with Liverpool expires on June 30, 2026; meaning his transfer to Bernabéu without paying a transfer fee is very close. This will be another example of Real Madrid's "free giants" strategy of recent years — after Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the third major free transfer.

Konaté's journey is interesting. He joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 for 36 million pounds. He spent five seasons at Anfield, played in more than 132 official matches. The centre-back duo he established with Virgil van Dijk became the main pillar of the path to the 2024-25 season Premier League championship. Contract extension talks started in November 2023 but could not be concluded. Liverpool is said to have offered the player a £350,000 weekly offer but Konaté's demands remained above this figure. The result: although it was said "we are very close to renewing" in April 2026, at the end of May, it was officially announced from Liverpool's side that Konaté would leave.

The Real Madrid story is also full of zigzags. In November 2025, Madrid had told Liverpool "we are no longer interested in Konaté". However, William Saliba's contract extension with Arsenal, Antonio Rüdiger's old age and injury problems, David Alaba's inability to play brought Madrid back to the table. According to information conveyed by ESPN and Marca, Madrid contacted Konaté in February 2026; talks intensified at the end of May. There is a point very close to agreement in AS's latest news. On the other hand, it was alleged that José Mourinho, who returned to head Real Madrid for the 2nd time, also personally spoke with the player. The combination of Konaté's physical strength and speed could fit perfectly in Mourinho's defence-oriented game understanding.

For Konaté, Real Madrid became the attraction centre fortifying the wrists. The French player received offers from Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks. Bayern Munich is also in play. But the player's first choice is clear: Bernabéu. According to Football365's news, Konaté said "I want to leave the Premier League and play for Real Madrid". This is a picture that makes Liverpool fans uncomfortable — especially after Trent Alexander-Arnold's same departure in May 2025, they are witnessing the same kind of departure for the second time. Liverpool is now searching for a new centre-back to fill the void — Dayot Upamecano's name is on the list.

On the Madrid side, Konaté's arrival could create an ideal combination for the defensive partner together with Dean Huijsen. The 27-year-old French centre-back's Premier League experience, having worn the jersey in Champions League finals and being regularly in the France National Team squad justify the investment. The contract is expected to be 5+1 years; the official announcement is foreseen to come before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Konaté himself will participate in the World Cup with the France jersey — the club wants to clarify the decision before the tournament.

Source: AS

Image: madriduniversal.com