Varane Ibrahim Konate: Ivorian defender joins GCE Villaralbo on free transfer

GCE Villaralbo have added Ivorian centre-back Varane Ibrahim Konate to their squad, with the 25-year-old joining from CD Barco on a free transfer.

Konate has agreed a deal running until 30 June 2027, giving the Spanish side security in a key defensive position. The right-footed defender, who stands at 1.88m, switches clubs ahead of the new campaign after two seasons on the books of Barco.

Born in Bouake, Konate moved to Spain as a teenager and has built his career in the countrys lower divisions. His latest move keeps him in Spanish football and offers him a fresh opportunity to establish himself at the heart of Villaralbos back line.

The Ivorian previously played for AD Llerenense, also joining them as a free agent, and for CD Badajoz, where he progressed from the under-19s into the senior squad. A loan spell at CD Don Benito in 2020-21 provided him with further first-team experience before he returned to Badajoz at the end of that season.

Konates competitive outings in Spain include appearances across Segunda Division B and promotion play-off campaigns, giving him exposure to high-pressure fixtures in the countrys regionalised system. That background is expected to support Villaralbo as they shape their defence for the season ahead.

The move means Konate continues a career entirely built in Spanish football since leaving Ivorian side CO Korhogo in 2019, and he is now under contract at GCE Villaralbo until summer 2027 following his free transfer from CD Barco.