Done Deal: Real Madrid sign Konate
French centre-back Ibrahima Konate has officially completed a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid after bringing his five-year spell with Liverpool FC to an end.
The 27-year-old defender arrives in Madrid as a free agent after his contract with Liverpool expired this summer.
In a statement on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Real Madrid said, “Real Madrid C. F. and Ibrahima Konaté have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030,” the statement said.
Konate leaves Liverpool
The Merseyside club had already announced that Konate would be leaving Anfield at the conclusion of his deal.
In a farewell message, Liverpool thanked the French international for his efforts during his time at the club and wished him success in the next chapter of his career.
Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad. Over five seasons, he featured in 183 matches and found the back of the net seven times.
During his stay at Anfield, the defender played a key role in Liverpool’s achievements, helping the club secure the Premier League crown in the 2024/25 campaign. He also collected winners’ medals in the FA Cup and twice lifted the League Cup.
The French defender is currently part of the France national football team squad competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will now prepare for the next stage of his career with Real Madrid.
Konate becomes the latest high-profile addition to the Spanish club after Bernardo Silva, as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Silva joins Madrid
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Spanish giants officially announced the arrival of Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who has signed a two-year contract with the club.
The former Manchester City star, who turns 32 on August 10, 2026, joins Los Blancos as a free agent after seeing out his contract with the Premier League side. His agreement with Madrid will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2028.
Silva had reportedly attracted interest from both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but the opportunity to play under Jose Mourinho is believed to have played a significant role in convincing him to move to the Spanish capital.
Meanwhile, defender Antonio Rüdiger has also signed a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid. Rüdiger’s previous deal was due to expire this summer, but Madrid have prolonged his stay until at least next year.
