Ibrahima Konaté in advanced talks to join Real Madrid on free transfer

France international defender Ibrahima Konaté is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid over a free transfer move to the Spanish giants.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Konaté is close to finalising personal terms with the La Liga club and is expected to join the Santiago Bernabéu once his Liverpool contract expires at the end of June.

Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that the 27-year-old will leave the club when his current deal runs out. Although talks had previously been held over a contract extension, discussions ultimately collapsed due to disagreements over his valuation and wage demands.

During his time at Anfield, Konaté made 183 appearances across all competitions and won several honours, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups. He initially signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of £35 million.

If the move is completed, Konaté will become the second Liverpool player in consecutive summers to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s switch to the Spanish club last year.