Real Madrid sign Ibrahima Konate on free transfer after Liverpool opt against renewal

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of centre-back Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer from Liverpool, with the 27-year-old agreeing a four-year contract at the Bernabéu.

The announcement comes a day after Bernardo Silva completed his own move to the Spanish capital, leaving Manchester City to join Madrid on a two-year deal — making Konate’s contract double the length of his fellow new arrival’s.

Konate departs Anfield without a transfer fee after Liverpool did not retain him, ending a four-year spell at the club he joined from RB Leipzig in 2021. The France international was representing his country at the 2026 World Cup when the move was finalised.

The signing adds experienced defensive depth to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, with Konate having established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs during his time on Merseyside. His departure leaves Liverpool with a significant gap to fill at the back ahead of the new season.