Ibrahima Konate has already confirmed he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires, and a decision on his next club could be made as early as Thursday.
Andoni Iraola will be without Konate at Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate’s transfer to Real Madrid is expected to be approved by president Florentino Perez on Thursday. The French defender has already agreed to leave Anfield for free at the end of his contract, but the decision comes after the two sides were unable to agree new terms.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have been rumored to be interested in him, and it looks like the move could be completed soon. According to The Athletic, Real president Perez is expected to announce the deal at a press conference on Thursday.
Perez has already all but confirmed that he will sign Konate if he is re-elected as club president in the coming days. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper As, he said:
“If I remain as president of Real Madrid, I can guarantee that Konate, one of the top defenders in the world, will be playing for Real Madrid next season. And if I remain in charge of Real Madrid, he will not be the only top defender to join us.”
“More will happen, for sure,” he added. “Everyone who knows me knows that top players want to play for Real Madrid, and so do I. And they know that I’m making it happen.”
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Konate will leave Liverpool after five years and 183 appearances. During that time, he helped the Reds win the Premier League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.
“Dear Liverpool, five years ago I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today I leave with memories that will last a lifetime,” the Frenchman said in an Instagram post.
“It is an honor to represent this club. We have shared great moments together… good times and bad, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships and heartbreaking moments that will stay in our hearts forever, but nothing is worse than losing my brother Diogo.
“Losing my father this year was one of the most difficult times in my life, but no matter the challenges, my commitment to this club has never changed. During the most difficult times, I gave everything I had for this badge.”
Ibrahima Konate joins Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes for helping me grow every day.
“And to all the supporters… thank you for the love, energy and incredible support. Anfield is a truly special place and playing in front of you was something I would never have taken for granted.”
“I’m so disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to you all at the last game. At that moment, I never thought it would be the last time I would wear this shirt in front of you all.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will take Liverpool with me wherever I go. This is not an easy farewell, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you soon, Inshallah. YNWA.”
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