Konate edges closer to joining Real Madrid after Liverpool exit confirmed

Ibrahima Konate is edging closer to joining Real Madrid as a free agent after his exit from Liverpool was confirmed; Konate will leave Anfield at the end of his contract this summer and talks are ongoing with the LaLiga giants

>Ibrahima Konate is in talks to join Real Madrid after it was confirmed he would leave Liverpool as a free agent.

>Sky Sports News understands negotiations are ongoing and it is increasingly likely the defender will join Real, but any potential move will depend on their ongoing presidential elections.

>Konate announced that he would be leaving Anfield when his contract expires this summer after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal.

>The France international made 183 appearances for the Reds since signing from RB Leipzig in 2021, helping them lift the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups.

>"Finances are not the issue; they have been pretty good over the years at balancing the books.

>"Yes, they had a big spend [last season]. But the net spend was not massive because of the players they were able to offload.

>"In that respect, they are in good shape. They do need to add to the squad, though.

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>"When you look at the squad, they need to bring in pace to the wide forward areas. Yan Diomande is one they have identified but they are facing competition.

>"You look at the back line, [Jeremy] Jacquet is coming in, [Giovanni] Leoni is already there but he's been out all season with the ACL [injury]. They are two young lads at centre-half.

>"Konate is also gone. You have to wonder if they need further experience there. Particularly with the injury record of Joe Gomez and Connor Bradley.

>"One other area which would help Iraola is at No 6. Ryan Gravenberch has been successful but his workload has been massive.

>"It's a huge summer for Liverpool, with key decisions needed if they are to play the brand of football they want going forward."

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