The France centre-back departed Liverpool at the end of his contract and has reportedly signed a four-year deal that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2030, according to RMC Sport and confirmed by multiple outlets including ESPN and beIN SPORTS.
Konaté, 27, joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021. He established himself as a reliable partner to Virgil van Dijk and earned a reputation as one of the strongest aerial defenders and most physically imposing centre-backs in the Premier League.
Liverpool had made a final attempt to retain him, increasing their offer in the closing weeks of the season. That bid fell short. Konaté opted to allow his contract to run down rather than commit to a new deal, and Real Madrid had been waiting.
ESPN reported that the club's interest dates back several months, and that Konaté had placed two offers from Saudi Arabian clubs on hold in order to negotiate with Madrid. He will become the second player in as many seasons to move from Anfield to the Bernabéu, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's move a year prior.
The timing was deliberate. Any deal was contingent on Pérez retaining the presidency, and the election victory on Sunday cleared the final hurdle.
Pérez had already previewed the move publicly in the days before the vote, telling reporters that Konaté would be his first signing of the summer. With the ballot resolved, the paperwork followed quickly.
His official presentation at the Bernabéu is expected to be delayed. Konaté is part of the France squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will complete his international duties before undergoing the formalities in Madrid.
For Real Madrid, it is a significant piece of defensive business — and unusually clean. No fee, no auction, no rival clubs to outspend. Just a contract and a commitment.