Real Madrid sign third World Cup star days after Jose Mourinho officially returns

Real Madrid have announced an agreement to sign Ibrahima Konate.

The France centre-back, who was on the bench for their 3-1 win over Senegal at the World Cup, will leave Liverpool at the end of June.

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Konate announced his exit last month in an emotional statement to Reds supporters amid the pending expiration of his contract.

He was a Premier League winner during the 2024/25 season, and also lifted the FA Cup and two Carabao Cups in his five-year stint at Anfield.

talkSPORT previously reported that the 27-year-old had agreed all terms with Madrid, who have now confirmed his summer arrival.

Konate will move to the Bernabeu on July 1 on a deal that runs until June 2030.

The defender is the latest player to join Real Madrid in what could be one of the strongest transfer windows in history.

Madrid making moves

Marc Cucurella is the standout arrival so far having signed from Chelsea in a €55million (£47.5m) and €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons deal.

News of the move came as a surprise amid talks with their city rivals Atletico Madrid, with the left-back returning to Spain this summer.

Another Premier League player on their way to the Spanish capital is Bernardo Silva, who is leaving Manchester City after nine years.

Like Konate, the Portuguese midfielder will join on a free transfer in what is a big coup for Los Blancos.

Dutch international Denzel Dumfries is also expected to sign from Inter Milan.

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Furthermore, talkSPORT understands Real Madrid are set to open talks with Chelsea regarding a move for Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea are open to selling the Argentine midfielder, but value him at around £120m.

Transfers aside, Jose Mourinho has returned to Madrid for a second spell as manager.

The legendary Portuguese coach first took charge of the club in 2010 after successful stints at Porto, Chelsea and Inter.

Mourinho won LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana titles in his three years at Madrid before returning to Chelsea.

Spells at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica followed ahead of round two in Spain.

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Mourinho has been brought in as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa, who is close to joining Fulham.

He will officially begin on July 13 for the start of pre-season.