Ibrahima Konate has admitted he was denied a proper farewell after Liverpool’s final home game of the season — as the France centre-back’s departure to Real Madrid was confirmed just hours before the club announced the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era.
Real Madrid have agreed a four-year deal with the 27-year-old, who will join on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of June after the two parties failed to agree a new deal because of a gap over his value and wages. Konate, who cost Liverpool £35m from RB Leipzig in 2021, made 183 appearances for the Anfield club and won the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups. He is currently with France at the 2026 World Cup.
“Konate joins Real Madrid on a free transfer; Liverpool sign first player under Iraola for £35m.”
“I was deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye,” Konate said after Liverpool’s final Premier League game against Brentford on 24 May. “At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.”
Real Madrid, who have appointed Jose Mourinho for his second spell in charge, also confirmed the free-transfer signings of Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea in a £52m deal.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed a £35m deal for a winger — their first signing since Iraola took over as manager. The winger had been expected to join a Premier League rival before the move to Anfield was finalised.