Real Madrid perform complete U-turn: Ibrahima Konate set to join from Liverpool on a free

Last Updated on 2 June 2026

Real Madrid rarely miss when they identify a market opportunity. Yet their pursuit of Ibrahima Konate has taken an unexpected twist. Earlier in the season, the Spanish giants appeared to move on from the Liverpool defender.

Concerns over his form reportedly cooled their interest. Liverpool, meanwhile, believed they still had a realistic chance of securing his long-term future. However, the situation has changed dramatically.

Now, both Real Madrid and Konate seem to have reversed course, opening the door for one of the summer’s most surprising free-transfer stories.

Real Madrid close to Ibrahima Konate transfer U-turn

Real Madrid are now set to land Konate after dramatically revisiting their stance. According to Fabrizio Romano, the defender has emerged as a priority target after entering the final stages of his Liverpool contract.

The development marks a significant U-turn. Earlier reports suggested Madrid had informed Liverpool they would not pursue the Frenchman. At the time, concerns over his inconsistent form appeared to influence that decision.

However, Madrid have now changed direction. They see Konate as a valuable market opportunity. As a result, they have positioned themselves to secure another elite player without paying a transfer fee.

Romano also reports that Real Madrid will delay any official announcement until after the club’s presidential elections. Nevertheless, confidence remains high behind the scenes.

Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool exit leaves bitter taste at Anfield

Konate’s own position has shifted just as sharply. After the Merseyside derby, he reassured supporters that a new agreement was close. Many fans expected a breakthrough to follow. Instead, negotiations gradually stalled.

Reports suggest disagreements centred on bonus structures rather than major salary demands or contract length. Consequently, frustration grew inside Liverpool. The club believed progress remained possible.

Yet Konate’s public comments created the impression that Liverpool were responsible for the delay. That narrative increasingly looks questionable. While the defender publicly projected optimism, talks never reached the advanced stage many supporters were led to believe.

In the end, a dispute over relatively minor details may have paved the way for his departure.