Ibrahima Konate has an awkward talk ahead at his new club because his favorite shirt number is already taken.
Former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is getting ready to leave Anfield after agreeing to join a new club. After five seasons at Liverpool, where he played under the famous managers Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, Konate is moving on.
He came to Liverpool in 2021 from Germany’s RB Leipzig for about £36 million. In his first season, he helped the team win both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. Liverpool also reached the Champions League final in 2021-22. But many fans say the highlight of Konate’s time at Liverpool came under Slot’s leadership.
The French player became an important part of the defense along with Virgil van Dijk. He left Liverpool after his contract ended following a tough 2025-26 season. In April, Konate said, “We’ve talked with the club for a long time and we’re close to an agreement,” but those talks didn’t lead anywhere, and he became a free agent.
On Instagram, he shared, “I’m very sad I didn’t get to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.”
Now, there’s strong interest from Real Madrid, and it looks like a deal is nearly done. With Real Madrid’s presidential elections ongoing, the current president, Florentino Perez, is said to have approved signing the 27-year-old.
Joining one of the biggest clubs in the world on a free transfer, right when he’s at his best, should be a huge opportunity for Konate. He’s also been picked for the France squad for the 2026 World Cup, where they’ll play Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the U.S. this month.
At his new club, Konate will choose a different number. He wore Liverpool’s number five shirt proudly, but that number belongs to Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham now. Number five is well-known at Real Madrid—it was worn by stars like Fernando Hierro, Fernando Redondo, Zinedine Zidane, and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro.