Ibrahima Konate faces awkward conversation at new club as dream shirt number taken

Former Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate's move away from Anfield is edging closer after he reportedly agreed a deal with a new club.

The ex-Reds defender will leave Merseyside after five seasons with the club, during which he enjoyed success under legendary boss Jurgen Klopp and his successor, Arne Slot.

Konate joined Liverpool from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for a reported £36 million in the summer of 2021, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in his first season in England.

Liverpool also reached the final of the Champions League in 2021-22 but the undeniable pinnacle of Konate's time at the club was reached on Slot's watch.

The French international, who became a Liverpool stalwart alongside Virgil van Dijk, left on the expiry of his contract at the end of a disappointing 2025-26 season.

"There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement," the defender said in April.

Those negotiations came to nothing and Konate became a free agent.

"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," Konate posted on Instagram.

Long-standing interest from Real Madrid is expected to bear fruit in short order. Konate has reportedly agreed terms with the Spanish capital titans.

With Real Madrid presidential elections in progress, incumbent Florentino Perez has settled on the signing of the 27-year-old, according to reports in Spain.

Moving to one of the world's biggest clubs on a free transfer as he reaches the peak of his powers should result in a life-changing payday for Konate, who has been included in Didier Deschamps' France squad for World Cup 2026.

Les Bleus will face Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the United States this month.

Iconic shirt number off the table for Real Madrid's new signing

Konate will be changing squad number at his new club.

The defender wore Liverpool's number five shirt with distinction but it fits snugly on Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

It's a famous number at the Bernabeu. Fernando Hierro and Fernando Redondo both appeared in the famous white shirt before it was elevated further still by the great Zinedine Zidane.

Ballon d'Or-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro inherited it from Konate's compatriot in 2006.