Konaté Strengthens Madrid Defense
Real Madrid Secures Ibrahima Konaté on Free Transfer, Bolstering Defense for New Era
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Key Points
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Konaté publicly addressed his departure from Liverpool in May, telling fans: “Five years ago I came here as a young player with big dreams. Today I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” He added: “This farewell is not easy for me, but it is time for a new challenge and a new chapter.”
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His Liverpool stint is detailed as coming after a 2021 move from RB Leipzig for €40 million; he then made 183 appearances and was involved in 11 goals while at Anfield.
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One report frames Real Madrid’s defensive planning in numbers for 2026/27, stating the squad would include five center-backs—adding that Alaba is set to leave for free in the summer, while Rüdiger is “close to an extension.” It also says Mourinho can rely on Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio.
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Beyond Konaté, Real Madrid’s summer recruitment is described as still moving: one account notes Denzel Dumfries is “another player still awaiting confirmation,” and suggests there could be “room for someone else.”
Real Madrid have signed French center-back Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer from Liverpool, the club confirmed on June 18, 2026. The 27-year-old has agreed to a four-year deal running through June 2030, arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu without a transfer fee under the Bosman ruling, according to France 24.
Konaté made 183 appearances for Liverpool after joining from RB Leipzig for €40 million in 2021. He won the Premier League title during his time at Anfield. He is now the fifth French player in Real Madrid's squad, joining Mbappé, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Mendy, per Yahoo Sports.
Konaté's Emotional Liverpool Exit After Five Years
Konaté confirmed his departure publicly in late May. "Five years ago I came here as a young player with big dreams," he wrote. "Today I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life." He added: "This farewell is not easy for me, but it is time for a new challenge and a new chapter."
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk paid tribute, writing: "It's been a pleasure! 154 games side by side... We will miss you but I wish you and your family all the best." During his five seasons at Anfield, Konaté scored 7 goals and contributed to 11 total goal involvements, according to Marca.
Mourinho's Return Shapes Madrid's Defensive Rebuild
The Konaté signing is part of a broader reshape at Real Madrid under new manager José Mourinho, who returned to the club on June 11 on a three-year deal. Mourinho reportedly greenlit the move personally, viewing Konaté as the "physical and aerial leader" his defensive system demands. Real Madrid paid €15 million to release Mourinho early from his contract at Benfica.
The defensive overhaul has been costly in other ways. David Alaba is set to leave the club for free this summer. Antonio Rüdiger is reportedly close to a one-year extension. That leaves Mourinho with five center-backs: Konaté, Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, and Raúl Asencio, per Yahoo Sports.
Madrid Snaps Up €100M Talent for Zero Euros
Spanish outlets frame the deal as a sharp move by Real Madrid. Liverpool's structure broke down after manager Arne Slot was fired on May 30. Contract talks with Konaté stalled. Madrid stepped in and secured a player estimated at close to €100 million in market value — for nothing, according to Marca.
Liverpool also lost Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson this summer. Critics on Merseyside call Konaté's exit a "brutal snub." Madrid's view is different. Securing a top center-back on a free is exactly the kind of deal Florentino Pérez built the club's transfer strategy around. Pérez was re-elected as president on June 7, vowing to build with "the best players."
More Signings Still to Come at the Bernabéu
Konaté is not Madrid's only summer addition. The club also signed Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella in a deal worth €55–60 million. Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries is reportedly next. Madrid allegedly triggered his €20 million release clause at Inter Milan, with a formal announcement expected after the World Cup, per Yahoo Sports.
Meanwhile, Konaté is currently with France at the 2026 World Cup in North America. He will officially become a Real Madrid player on July 1 when his Liverpool contract expires, France 24 reported. The club confirmed the signing while he was still on international duty.
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