Konate's Liverpool Exit Sealed as Iraola Eyes £60m Real Madrid Defender Huijsen as Successor

Ibrahima Konate's exit from Liverpool has been confirmed, with the French defender set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer after the Merseyside club declined to meet his contract extension demands.

The departure, which emerged on Tuesday, comes after Liverpool and Konate failed to reach agreement over fresh terms beyond the current campaign. The French outlet L'Equipe reports that the Reds withdrew from negotiations after coming close to finalising a new deal last month, leaving the defender free to explore options elsewhere.

Konate has endured a torrid 2025/26 season by his own standards, struggling with consistency and composure on the ball throughout what has been a difficult campaign for the centre-back. His departure represents a significant shift in Liverpool's defensive setup heading into next season.

Real Madrid have secured a verbal agreement with Konate on a four-year deal, contingent on Florentino Pérez's re-election as club president. The defender had previously shelved approaches from Saudi Arabia to pursue the Spanish capital opportunity, with the move expected to be formalised imminently.

Iraola Targets Huijsen as Replacement

Incoming Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who has agreed to succeed Arne Slot at Anfield, will now oversee the squad rebuild without Konate. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the new boss has identified a solution: Real Madrid prospect Dean Huijsen.

Iraola has reportedly requested a significant investment to bring the young defender to Merseyside, with figures around €70 million being discussed. The pair worked together during Iraola's time at Bournemouth, suggesting familiarity with the player's profile and potential.

Real Madrid, however, are unlikely to sanction a straightforward departure. The Spanish giants invested in Huijsen with long-term development in mind, valuing his youth, personality, and trajectory for improvement. The club's hierarchy understands that young centre-backs require adaptation time, particularly when stepping into an environment with Liverpool's competitive demands.

Any move would represent a substantial statement of intent from the Reds as they prepare for life under Iraola's management.