Real Madrid has reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer this summer.
The French international recently announced his departure from Anfield, having decided against renewing his contract, which officially expires on June 30th. This allows him to sign with any club as a free agent.
Saudi Offers and the Florentino Perez Election Factor
Konate has drawn significant interest from several elite clubs, receiving lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League—most notably from Al-Ittihad—while also being heavily linked with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid has practically wrapped up the deal. However, the finalization of the transfer hinges entirely on Florentino Perez winning the upcoming club presidential elections scheduled for June 7th.
If the deal goes through, Konate is set to sign a four-year contract with Los Blancos, which includes an optional one-year extension subject to mutual agreement.
Aware that Perez’s electoral victory is not completely guaranteed, the 27-year-old defender has kept his options open regarding Saudi Arabia, leaving all possibilities on the table until the election results clear up next week.
Mourinho’s Defensive Defensive Overhaul at Real Madrid
Spanish outlets have highlighted that Jose Mourinho—who is heavily linked with the Real Madrid hot seat—has requested at least two new center-backs this summer. This urgent defensive reinforcement comes in light of David Alaba’s departure, coupled with the frequent injury struggles of both Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger.
