Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to play alongside an ex-Liverpool teammate at Real Madrid next season after a deal was agreed and a long-term contract was signed.
Konate Signs Four-Year Deal
Ibrahima Konate has signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano. The France international, who spent five years at Liverpool after a £36 million move from RB Leipzig, is expected to be officially announced by the Spanish club soon.
Liverpool announced last Sunday that Konate would leave at the end of his contract this summer. Despite suggesting in mid-April that his future remained at Anfield, the 27-year-old decided to move to Madrid. He made 183 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Premier League and FA Cup among four major trophies.
Mourinho's Approval
New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, appointed after Florentino Perez was re-elected as club president, fully approved the transfer and was keen to secure Konate before the World Cup.
Reunion with Alexander-Arnold
Konate will reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool for £10 million 12 months ago. Alexander-Arnold, 27, had agreed to join at the end of his contract but moved early to feature in the Club World Cup.
His first season at Real was challenging due to injuries and form issues, starting only 14 La Liga matches in 2025/26. Federico Valverde often deputised, while Dani Carvajal started the final two games before his expected departure.
Competition for Places
Real Madrid are also closing in on Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries for £17 million, with a contract until 2030. Mourinho has approved the move, and Dumfries is expected to compete with Alexander-Arnold for the right-back position, with Valverde also an option.
For a combined £17 million, Real are signing Konate and Dumfries to strengthen the squad after a disappointing season under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
