LiverpoolIbrahima Konaté says farewell to Liverpool to reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid

 

After several weeks of speculation, Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly chosen to depart Liverpool, clearing the path for a possible reunion with former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.

 

As per Marca, Los Blancos have been discreetly laying the groundwork for a transfer involving the 27-year-old French central defender, whose deal with Liverpool runs until June 2026. With negotiations over a contract renewal stalling, Madrid have stepped up their efforts, considering Konaté an ideal long-term replacement for David Alaba.

 

In a message directed at Liverpool supporters, Konaté said: “Liverpool gave me everything memories, trophies, and incredible teammates. But now, it’s time for a new challenge. Reuniting with Trent at Madrid is something I’m truly excited about.” Since his move from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million, Konaté has featured in over 120 matches for the Reds, establishing himself as a key component of their defense.

 

Though he faced injury challenges early on, his impressive displays last season — including 42 appearances across all competitions — were vital in keeping Liverpool competitive on multiple fronts. Real Madrid are currently putting the final touches on a deal to make Konaté a foundational piece in their evolving defense, adding him to a backline already strengthened by free acquisitions such as Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Kylian Mbappé, and most recently, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

 

For Liverpool, losing Konaté is a significant setback, particularly with Virgil van Dijk approaching the twilight of his career. With the summer transfer window intensifying, head coach Arne Slot must act quickly to identify an appropriate successor. Konaté’s exit marks yet another notable transition at Anfield as the Klopp era fades and Slot’s vision begins to take shape.

 

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