Defender Ibrahima Konaté is close to becoming Real Madrid’s new reinforcement. The 27-year-old Frenchman is expected to sign a four-year contract, with the option of a further year, once Florentino Pérez is re-elected as club president. The information has been circulating since the beginning of this week and gains strength with the support of José Mourinho.
Konaté leaves Liverpool as a free agent after the end of the contract. The English club was unable to renew the defender, who refused proposals from Arábia Saudita to prioritize the merengue project. The verbal agreement already exists and depends only on the results of the elections scheduled for this Sunday.
Real Madrid’s Defesa accumulates physical problems
Real Madrid is going through a delicate moment in defense. Lesões have marked the last two seasons and reduced the options available. Carvajal left after cruciate ligament and meniscus complications. Militão is expected to be out for four or five months. Rüdiger renewed, but has a chronic knee problem. Alaba has already left the club without recovering from a serious injury. Mendy also faces recurrences that could limit him for almost the entire next season.
Essa sequence of absences forced the club to seek urgent reinforcements. The goal is to hire at least two or three people for the position. Konaté appears as the first viable option. Ele arrives at no transfer cost, which facilitates operation in a scenario of financial caution.
- Carvajal left Bernabéu after serious injuries
- Militão out for four or five months
- Rüdiger deals with knee problem
- Alaba did not recover from ligament rupture
- Mendy has recurring injuries
Physical Perfil attracts Mourinho
Ibrahima Konaté is 1.94 meters tall and weighs 95 kilos. The imposing physique recalls the style of Antonio Rüdiger. Mourinho, who should lead the team if Pérez wins the elections, has always valued strong defenders in aerial duels and body fights. The Portuguese approved the name of the Frenchman.
The defender also maintains a good relationship with Kylian Mbappé in the French national team. The attacker indicated Konaté in internal conversations on Real Madrid. The presence of French players in the dressing room, such as Mbappé, Camavinga and Mendy, helps with integration.
Konaté says goodbye to Liverpool
The Frenchman published a farewell letter to Liverpool. Ele thanked him for his time at the club and mentioned the search for a new challenge. Konaté performed in several competitions for Reds and won titles, but talks about renewal did not advance.
Liverpool regretted leaving, but couldn’t hold the player back. Outros European giants were monitoring the situation. Bayern from Munique, PSG and several clubs from Premier League have submitted proposals. Real Madrid accelerated the negotiations and came out ahead.
Base of Valdebebas gains space
Além after the arrival of Konaté, Real Madrid has young people from the academy. Raúl Asensio already has a constant presence in the main team and a contract until 2031. Ele begins the pre-season with the main group.
Joan Martínez, 18 years old, stood out in Youth League and Castilla. Lamini Fati, 20 years old, showed his quality on team B. Víctor Valdepeñas and Diego Aguado have also made their professional debuts and remain under observation. The combination of experience with Konaté and new blood from the house should strengthen the sector.
Eleições set calendar
Florentino Pérez is running for re-election this Sunday. His victory unlocks the deal with Konaté. Candidates present projects to the team and seek support from partners. Defense is one of the central themes in the campaign.
Real Madrid plans one or two more signings for the defense. The focus remains on low or zero cost players, following the recent strategy of signings like Alaba and Rüdiger in the past. Konaté fits this profile.
The Frenchman should perform in the pre-season if the deal is confirmed. Ele reaches 27 years of age in a mature phase of his career and with high-level experience at Premier League and the French national team.