Speaking about the reasons behind this during an interview with BBC Radio Solent in 2025, Iraola explained: “I think just signing a contract, just to have the assurance that if they sign you, you will receive the money, I don’t feel – I wouldn’t feel – really pleased with this. I think you have to earn the right every season.
“Sometimes, even if you don’t get the best results, maybe the club is very happy with your work and they want to continue, and it happens the opposite way as well. So I think, in a manager’s case, it doesn’t matter if you have another three years. If one of the parties is not happy, normally it breaks from one side or the other.
Iraola guided Bournemouth to 41 wins, 48 draws and 35 defeats in his 114 Premier League games in charge of the side, with his attacking playing style attracting praise from fans and pundits, including Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who revealed he thinks the Spaniard could be the right man for the job.
“I think potentially, yes [he’s the right man for the job]. I think he’s done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool.
“But let’s not beat around the bush. Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world.
Konate joined Liverpool from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for a reported £36 million in the summer of 2021, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in his first season in England.
Liverpool also reached the final of the Champions League in 2021-22 but the undeniable pinnacle of Konate’s time at the club was reached on Slot’s watch.
The French international, who became a Liverpool stalwart alongside Virgil van Dijk, left on the expiry of his contract at the end of a disappointing 2025-26 season.
“There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” the defender said in April.
Those negotiations came to nothing and Konate became a free agent.
“I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you,” Konate posted on Instagram.
Long-standing interest from Real Madrid is expected to bear fruit in short order. Konate has reportedly agreed terms with the Spanish capital titans.
With Real Madrid presidential elections in progress, incumbent Florentino Perez has settled on the signing of the 27-year-old, according to reports in Spain.
Moving to one of the world’s biggest clubs on a free transfer as he reaches the peak of his powers should result in a life-changing payday for Konate, who has been included in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for World Cup 2026.