Ibrahima Konaté says farewell to Liverpool to reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid

In an emotional and highly anticipated press conference this afternoon, Ibrahima Konaté confirmed his departure from Liverpool Football Club, as he prepares to embark on a new chapter of his career with Spanish giants Real Madrid. The French defender, visibly emotional, expressed his gratitude to Liverpool fans, teammates, and the club’s management while revealing his excitement to reunite with former teammate and close friend, Trent Alexander-Arnold, at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Konaté began. “Liverpool has been my home, and the fans welcomed me like family. But as a footballer, new challenges call you, and when Real Madrid came in — and the chance to play alongside Trent again was on the table — it was impossible to say no.”

The move, which had been whispered about in recent weeks, was officially confirmed by both clubs earlier today. Konaté will join Los Blancos for a reported fee of €60 million, penning a five-year deal that runs until 2030. The Frenchman becomes Real Madrid’s latest defensive reinforcement in a summer already filled with high-profile activity at the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso also addressed the media, welcoming Konaté with open arms:
“Ibrahima is one of the best young defenders in world football. His pace, strength, and reading of the game will be massive for us. The fact that he has an existing bond with Trent is a bonus — it’ll help both settle in and elevate our defense to a new level.”

The press conference also carried a sentimental undertone as Konaté spoke about his friendship with Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid earlier this month in a stunning transfer that sent shockwaves through the Premier League.

“Trent and I have always stayed in touch,” Konaté shared. “When he made the move to Madrid, he joked about how we should link up again one day. Neither of us thought it would happen so soon, but here we are. It’s a dream to play with him again — this time in the white shirt of Madrid.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot paid tribute to Konaté’s time at Anfield, thanking him for his dedication and professionalism:
“Ibou has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool Football Club. He gave everything every time he wore the shirt. While we’re sad to see him leave, we wish him all the best in Spain.”

As Konaté prepares to join up with his new teammates for pre-season in Los Angeles, Real Madrid fans are already buzzing about the defensive duo of Konaté and Alexander-Arnold, which promises pace, power, and precision from the backline.

The Bernabéu faithful can now look forward to watching the two former Reds reunite under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, as Real Madrid continues to build what many are calling the next European dynasty.