Konate Agrees Real Madrid Move, Origi Retires

France defender Ibrahima Konate has agreed a four-year contract with Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool, according to a source close to the negotiations.

The deal will run until 2030, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday, June 9. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who secured re-election on Sunday, June 7, had indicated last week that the centre-back would be his first signing and also pledged to bring back Jose Mourinho as coach.

Konate is set to reunite with several France teammates in Madrid, including captain Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. The move marks the fourth club of his professional career following spells with Sochaux, RB Leipzig and Liverpool.

The 27-year-old made 183 appearances for Liverpool after joining from Leipzig five years ago. During his time at Anfield, he lifted the FA Cup and League Cup under Jurgen Klopp, while also experiencing heartbreak in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool claimed the Premier League title last season, although the club endured a tougher campaign this year and only secured Champions League qualification on the final day.

Konate has earned 28 caps for France and is part of Didier Deschamps’s squad for the World Cup in North America. He is expected to compete for a starting place in central defence as France complete their preparations with a friendly against Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday evening.

Liverpool Hero Origi Retires at 31

Former Belgium striker Divock Origi has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31, bringing the curtain down on a career that delivered some of Liverpool’s most memorable modern moments.

Origi etched his name into club folklore during Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph. He scored twice in the stunning 4-0 semi-final comeback against Barcelona after a 3-0 first-leg defeat and then found the net again in the final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Belgian also became a fan favourite in the Merseyside derby, scoring six times against Everton, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Anfield that prompted Klopp’s famous celebration on the pitch.

Origi finished his Liverpool career with 41 goals in 175 appearances and was part of the squad that won the Premier League title in 2020. After leaving Anfield, he joined AC Milan on a free transfer in 2022 before spending the 2024 season on loan at Nottingham Forest. His contract with Milan was terminated in December.

Announcing his decision on Instagram on Monday, Origi wrote: “My purpose in the game as a player is fulfilled.

“I lived out my childhood dreams to play on the biggest stages and win the biggest trophies. I am grateful to God for all of it.

“To my fans across the world who helped me shine: every iconic moment, every goal, every piece of history we made together will forever be ours.

“To every club, and all the coaches and teammates who stood beside me, thank you. You shaped me in ways that go far beyond the pitch.

“The mission is complete. Now I step into my next calling. More of the journey to come. With love, Divock Origi.”