Real Madrid chief makes promise ahead of Ibrahima Konate transfer from Liverpool
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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsLiverpool FCFlorentino Perez has vowed to delivery Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer ahead of the expiry of the Liverpool center-back's contract at the end of JuneFlorentino Perez of Real Madrid(Image: Europa Press 2026)Florentino Perez has vowed to complete the signing of Ibrahima Konate if he is re-elected as Real Madrid's president.It was revealed last week that Konate would be leaving Liverpool after five years with the club, despite having suggested just weeks earlier that he was on the brink of a contract extension at Anfield.Konate signed a five-year contract upon joining Liverpool in 2021, and that deal will expire at the end of this month, leaving him free to join a new club.That new club is expected to be Madrid, although any new signings by Los Blancos are not expected to be announced until after Madrid's presidential election on June 7.Current incumbent Perez, who has been in the position since 2009 – having also held the role between 2000 and 2006 – is going up against Enrique Riquelme, and Perez is the heavy favorite to stay in the position.If Perez wins the election, Konate's arrival will be confirmed – as will that of manager Jose Mourinho, who previously managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013."Mourinho is one of the world's greatest coaches and was very important for Real Madrid during his time with us," Perez said as he laid out his plans in the likelihood of an election win."He was the coach of that famous record-breaking league title. Mourinho and Konate are my first signings."Meanwhile, Konate this week opened up about the pain of losing Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain last July.Ibrahima Konate is set to join Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)"Even today it's hard to believe," Konate said, speaking to France Inter radio station."His locker was still there in the dressing room, and every day when I was going to training he was coming with us."I remember when I found out I was in Los Angeles and I couldn't believe it.
I didn't have any interest in anything else at that point. It was the last person anyone would have chosen this to happen to."He just wanted to be happy and to have a good time with his team-mates and his family.
He wasn't interested in fame. He was my neighbour as well, so I shared a few more moments with him.