Premier League giants ready to hijack Real Madrid's move for Ibrahima Konate in shock transfer twist

Ibrahima Konate is being linked with a truly unthinkable Premier League club following his Liverpool exit, despite heavy rumours of a Real Madrid move.

Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract later this month, bringing to an end a successful half-decade at Anfield in which he helped the side win four major honours – the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup (twice).

Due to the Frenchman running down his contract, his next club will not have to pay a transfer fee, with Konate set to join as a free agent.

On Sunday (May 31), Konate issued a statement claiming he was "deeply saddened" to be leaving the 20-time English champions, even admitting that he did not know Liverpool's final Premier League game of the season against Brentford would be his last.

"At that moment, I didn't know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you," he said.

"Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn't an easy goodbye, but it's time for a new challenge and a new chapter."

Konate had previously held talks over a new Liverpool contract, but the parties could not agree on aspects such as wages and valuation, which ultimately resulted in his departure.

The France international, who was named in Didier Deschamps' 26-man World Cup squad, has been the subject of interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid for some time, with Spanish outlet Radioestadio Noche claiming that Florentino Perez has already settled on a deal for the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Spanish publication El Debate acknowledged Real's interest, even reporting that it dates back four years.

The outlet also suggests that Konate has offers from Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool's Premier League rivals Chelsea, as well as Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United, despite the player favouring a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu at this time following reported talks with soon-to-be Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.

If Konate were to sign for Man United he would be the first player to transfer directly between Liverpool and the Old Trafford club since Phil Chisnall in 1964.

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, PSG midfielder Joao Neves, City midfielder Rodri and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck are also on the 15-time European champions' radar.

Ibrahima Konate's full statement on Liverpool exit

“Dear Liverpool,

“Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Representing this club has been an honour. We've shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.

“Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.

“To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.

“And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.

“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.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.

“This isn't an easy goodbye, but it's time for a new challenge and a new chapter.

“See you again soon, Inshallah. YNWA.”