Ibrahima Konate’s next club after Liverpool exit now confirmed by Fabrizio Romano
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Ibrahima Konate has now agreed terms with a new team following his Liverpool exit this summer.Konate seemed close to signing a new contract with the Reds just a month or so ago, but it has since been confirmed that he is leaving Anfield as a free agent, along with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.Now, after links to PSG previously, Fabrizio Romano says that the Frenchman has agreed a contract with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Rate Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool appointment!
Credit: AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images Ibrahima Konate agrees Real Madrid deal after leaving LiverpoolTaking to X/Twitter, the journalist wrote: “Real Madrid have verbal agreement in place with Ibrahima Konate!“Four-year deal to be signed, depending on if/when Florentino Pérez is re-elected.“Here we go, expected right after. Konate put Saudi bids on hold for Real Madrid.”Konate spent five years at Anfield, having moved in 2021 from German outfit RB Leipzig.
Which centre-back must Liverpool sign to replace Konate in the starting XI? He formed a strong connection with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, but his form was inconsistent.We saw a purple patch from the centre-back earlier this year, but he had a couple of spells during 2025/26 that were poor.Regardless, his exit means that Liverpool are lacking much experience in the centre of their backline heading into next season.Joe Gomez is now set to remain with the Reds next term despite previous suggestions he could be moved on this summer.But even with Gomez staying put, he will be needed at right-back in 2026/27, and his injury problems are well known.That will leave the very inexperienced pairing of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni as the main partners for Van Dijk next term.Then, in 2027, the Dutch captain’s contract will be up, and given his age, it is hard to see Liverpool offering him a new deal.So, even if the Reds don’t sign a new central defender this summer, at least one will be needed next year.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox