Real Madrid have confirmed Ibrahima Konate will join the club on a four-year deal until 2030 when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the month.
Konate indicated in April he would sign fresh terms with Liverpool, only for it to emerge a month later that he would, in fact, leave the club after failing to agree a deal.
France centre-back Konate had long been linked with Madrid and, after reports of a verbal agreement earlier this month, Madrid have announced his impending arrival.
Madrid have already completed the signing of left-back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea and are also set to bring in right-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan.
Cucurella had no hesitation in making move to Madrid
Spain defender Cucurella, who like Konate and Netherlands international Dumfries is at the World Cup, spoke to El Mundo about his move to the Santiago Bernabeu, the former Barcelona man revealing he had no hesitation in joining Jose Mourinho’s side.
“I think it was all done in a day and a half or two. Much better for me, much faster, no headaches,” Cucurella said of the transfer.
‘It’s finally been finalised and I’m very happy. Happy about the signing and especially happy to be able to focus on the national team, on the World Cup, which I think is a unique opportunity.
“I think we had it all sorted out in a day or a day and a half. And then they announced it, which was a bit more difficult with the time change, because it came out hours before the Cape Verde match, but the truth is that everything was already done. By then I was already thinking about the match and had nothing to worry about.
“In the end there were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid came along, I didn’t hesitate. I think it’s a unique opportunity. Ultimately, playing for Real Madrid is an honour, and not many players can say that, so I had no doubts.
“I think both I and those around me, my family, were clear that it was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse, and I’m very happy with the decision we made.”
Asked about his discussions with Mourinho, Cucurella added: “We were talking and he told me he was really looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt very well, that Real Madrid was a great club.
“Then, nothing more, just that I should do very well in the World Cup and that we would see each other in Madrid.
“He told me he wanted me, and that’s it. I’m very happy about this confidence. I’m looking forward to starting to work with him.
“I’ve had to make an important decision, and I have no doubts; I think it’s a big step for me. When you’re a kid, you dream of playing for big teams, and I think Real Madrid is one of them. They’re the team with the most Champions League titles in the world, and I hope to win titles with them and have a wonderful time there.
“I think it’s been seen many times in their historic comebacks. I think they have a mystique… I don’t know how to put it, it’s unpredictable. Very few people watching the matches can understand how Real Madrid can come back or win games when they seem to be on the ropes.
“To be able to be a part of it, to experience that feeling from the inside, to live through those magical nights is something that, as a footballer, I think everyone enjoys. If you’re given the opportunity to experience that, there’s little doubt left.”
