Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid is expected be rubber-stamped on Thursday by president Florentino Perez. The French defender has already confirmed that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of his contract for nothing – that decision coming after both parties failed to agree on fresh terms.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have been linked with a move for his services and it appears that his switch could be finalised very soon. According to The Athletic, Real president Perez will announce the deal in a press conference on Thursday.
Perez has already all-but confirmed that Konate would be signing should he be re-elected as club president over the coming days. Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, he said: “We’re working on all these signings.
“I can assure you that if I remain president of Real Madrid, one of the world ’s top defenders, Konate, will be playing for Real Madrid from next season onwards. And he won’t be the only top defender to join us if I stay at the helm of Real Madrid.
“More will be coming. 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 make it happen.”
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Konate will leave Liverpool after five years and 183 appearances. In that time, he has helped the Reds to the Premier League title, the FA Cup and two League Cups.
In a post on Instagram, the Frenchman said: “Dear Liverpool, Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Representing this club has been an honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
“Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.
View 2 ImagesIbrahima Konate is set to join Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
“To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
“And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.
“I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you again soon, inshallah. YNWA.”
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