Real Madrid have formally presented Ibrahima Konate as their latest defensive signing, with the France international agreeing a contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2030.
The 27-year-old centre-back was welcomed by club president Florentino Perez at Real Madrid City, where the pair completed the formal contract-signing ceremony in the main meeting room.
Konate was then handed the traditional gifts presented to new Real Madrid players, including a miniature replica of the Santiago Bernabeu and a luxury watch. He also received the club’s white home shirt, bearing his name and the number 16, which he will wear during his time with the Spanish side.
The presentation was attended by Real Madrid honorary president Jose Martinez Pirri, underlining the importance attached to the arrival of the former Liverpool defender.
Real Madrid confirmed the ceremony on social media with the message: “OFICIAL: IBRAHIMA KONATE, presentado como jugador del Real Madrid”. The club said the central defender had signed an agreement running until 2030 and received a replica of the Santiago Bernabeu and a watch as gifts.
Konate joins Real Madrid as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Liverpool. His arrival continues the club’s recent strategy of recruiting players without transfer fees, following the signings of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kylian Mbappe on similar terms.
Although no transfer fee was required, Konate is expected to become one of Real Madrid’s highest-paid players. His gross annual salary will be about 22m euros, a figure regarded as appropriate for a defender of his international standing.
His signing strengthens a position that was heavily affected by injuries last season. Konate is a right-footed central defender who has not played in any other position since beginning his professional career. He is known for his powerful physique and his ability to compete strongly in challenges.
The defender could make his first appearance for Real Madrid as soon as Saturday, when the club are due to face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, also known as Cornella-El Prat. His involvement will depend on whether manager Jose Mourinho decides he is ready to play.
Antonio Rudiger is considered a guaranteed starter in Mourinho’s plans, while Konate is expected to compete with the young Dean Huijsen for the second centre-back position.
That contest will provide the first significant test of Real Madrid’s revamped defence. The club also described Konate’s unveiling as the third presentation of the week, with the ceremony marking another stage in their preparations for the new season.