Madrid president Perez insists Konate will sign if he is re-elected

Konaté, dressed in white, will play for Real Madrid if Florentino becomes president again
Konaté, dressed in white, will play for Real Madrid if Florentino becomes president againAction Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

"If I am elected president, Konate will be my first signing, and he will play for Real Madrid." That was how emphatic Florentino Perez was in guaranteeing the arrival of the centre-back, whose contract with Liverpool ends on June 30th.

This statement was made by the acting president of the club and candidate to retain his seat in an interview with the newspaper AS.

There, he once again emphasised one of his mantras, even from before he won his first elections.

"As long as I am president, the best players in the world will play here. And for next season, we are going to strengthen the team with top players in every area." 

And that's when he announced the signing of Konate

"I can already assure you that if I remain president of Real Madrid, one of the world's top defenders, Konate, will play for Real Madrid starting next season. 

"And he won't be the only top defender to arrive if I continue to lead Real Madrid."

Ibrahima Konate's Premier League stats last season
Ibrahima Konate's Premier League stats last seasonAction Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers / Opta by StatsPerform

Doubts about Nico Paz

Another key name in that interview was Nico Paz, a star at Como for the past two seasons, whom the club could bring back for nine million euros. He was not as clear about his possible return.

"Nico Paz is one of those great players who came through our academy and who today is one of the top European footballers that clubs are fighting for.

"He has had a great season with Como in Italy and, as you know, we have the option to bring him back this year. We will decide together with the coach and the technical staff." 

In other words, it will be up to Mourinho and his assistants to decide if the Argentine, born in Tenerife, fits into their new project, as the Portuguese coach had also been officially announced on Florentino's campaign social media accounts.