Konate's expected Real Madrid move sets up reunion with Alexander-Arnold

Ibrahima Konate is poised to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer after failing to agree a new contract with Liverpool, setting up a reunion with Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Bernabéu.

The French centre-back joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for £36 million in 2021 and spent five seasons at Anfield, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and two League Cups. Despite claiming in April that he was “close” to signing an extension and expressing a desire to stay, the two parties could not reach an agreement, and Konate will depart when his contract expires.

Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer, has spoken warmly about Konate on multiple occasions. After Konate delivered a commanding display in Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League final defeat to Real in Paris in 2022, Alexander-Arnold was effusive in his praise. “Wow. Outstanding,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “The performance he put in yesterday, I’m lost for words. Words can’t do it justice.”

The England full-back had also spoken highly of Konate shortly after his arrival at Anfield, highlighting his athleticism and potential. “He’s a very athletic boy — fast and strong — and he ticks all those boxes. He’s still young, but he’s got huge potential. Learning and playing next to Virgil van Dijk, he’s one of those players you instantly pick up things from.”

The admiration is clearly mutual. Ahead of England’s quarter-final against France at the 2022 World Cup, Konate revealed the closeness of their bond. “Trent Alexander-Arnold sent me a message saying, ‘See you on Saturday, my brother’ because I’m very close to him,” the defender said at a press conference.

Should the move to Real Madrid be confirmed, Konate would arrive at a club already familiar with his qualities — and with a former team-mate ready to welcome him.