Ibrahima Konate one step away from joining Real Madrid in bombshell deal

It’s been a weekend of massive change at Liverpool.

The Premier League title-winning head coach Arne Slot has left the club having failed to survive his end-of-season review.

And one significant news item that could get lost in the furore is the announcement that Ibrahima Konate is leaving.

Despite contract talks stretching back to November 2023 no agreement has been struck between the club and the 27-year-old defender.

Konate claimed only a few weeks ago that a new deal was imminent and Liverpool calling a halt to negotiations was in the end a surprise.

It so far hasn’t appeared that the France international is close to agreeing a deal with any other club. Given his age and quality he is likely to be in demand - with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Ittihad thought to be keen.

Real Madrid move back on

A move to Real Madrid for a long time appeared to be on the cards - but the Spaniards ruled themselves out of the race in November.

But a sudden turn of events could now open the door for Konate to join what is believed to be his first-choice destination.

Real Madrid will conduct new presidential elections on Sunday June 7 with current incumbent Florentino Perez going up against Enrique Riquelme.

It’s widely believed that Perez will trounce his fellow competitor in the race - and that opens the door to Konate to join the Bernabeu giants.

Florentino Perez secures Konate deal

Because Radioestadio journalist Alberto Pereiro is claiming that Konate will be a Real Madrid player once Perez’s presidential victory is confirmed.

"Florentino Pérez's candidacy has secured the signing of Ibrahima Konaté," he said according to Defensa Central.

It remains to be seen what Jose Mourinho thinks of all this with the Portuguese lined up to take over from Alvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho is reported to want extra depth in defence with Madrid already losing David Alaba on a free.

Whether or not Konate fits the bill is unknown but it’s likely that Konate will be presented to the Special One as a welcome gift if and when Perez secures another term as president.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Michael Edwards is about to do it again, brilliant Liverpool transfer on the horizon

👉🏻 You can't make it up, Liverpool about to agree outrageous deal