Ibrahima Konate 'shadow of himself' with Liverpool reunion around the corner

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Ibrahima Konate will complete his free transfer to Real Madrid later this month, but World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has cast doubt over whether his compatriot will be a success at the BernabeuIbrahima Konate is leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)Ibrahima Konate's long-anticipated switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid will ultimately be finalized later this month upon the expiration of his Anfield deal.However, a former World Cup-winning center-back has expressed reservations about the transfer. Konate spent five campaigns with the Reds, securing the Premier League crown, the FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups, but he is departing Merseyside having been unable to reach an agreement on fresh terms with the club.The 27-year-old defender was linked with a switch to Madrid earlier in the campaign, but interest from the La Liga team seemed to have diminished following a dip in performances.Nonetheless, he will ultimately complete a free transfer to the Bernabeu, where he will link up once again with former Reds defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, completing a Liverpool reunion in the Spanish capital.The transfer can be viewed as a pivotal juncture for Konate, but Frank Leboeuf, who claimed the World Cup with France in 1998 and the European Championship two years afterward, remains unconvinced that his fellow countryman will flourish in Madrid.Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who are offering World Cup odds, Leboeuf said: "Ibrahima Konate was one of the best defenders in the world a year and a half ago.Konate will play alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)"With Virgil van Dijk, that pairing was incredible.

However, last season, both of them, along with many other Liverpool players, were only shadows of themselves."If Ibrahima can get back to his best, it would be fantastic for Real Madrid. Now, I have my doubts, so I will have to wait and see how it works."I saw the (France) game against Ivory Coast, and Ibrahima is still not quite there, which is sad because he is a fantastic player.

I love the guy, his personality, and his mentality."He is a great player, but he needs to return to his best form. It is a good move for him after what he achieved at Liverpool."I think Liverpool fans should say thank you to him, just as they should have for Trent Alexander-Arnold.