Ibrahima Konate is reportedly set to leave Liverpool as a free agent after contract talks broke down, with the French center-back having been a regular for the Reds since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021
22:04, 28 May 2026Updated 22:16, 28 May 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate's contract at Liverpool expires next month(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate is reportedly poised to EXIT Liverpool following the breakdown of contract negotiations.
Konate, 27, is approaching the conclusion of his existing agreement which terminates on June 30. His agents had been engaged in discussions with the Liverpool leadership regarding an extension for several months, but the defender will now exit as a free agent, according to Talksport.
Konate experienced five silverware-filled years at Anfield, having arrived at the Reds from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig in 2021 for $48 million (£36M). The France international will join fellow Liverpool mainstays Mo Salah and Andy Robertson in departing the club this summer, reports the Mirror.
Before the campaign's conclusion, Konate suggested he was on the verge of penning fresh terms and expressed his desire to stay on Merseyside.
"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," he explained. "I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way."
Konaté added: "For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season. This is what I've always wanted."
Real Madrid were strongly linked with acquiring Konate on a free transfer but speculation regarding a switch subsided following his challenging opening to the campaign.
The French defender remained a regular fixture under Arne Slot alongside long-standing centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool has already secured a new center-back ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, snapping up Jeremy Jacquet from French outfit Rennes. The Reds will also have Giovanni Leoni available after his first season was blighted by injury, limiting him to just a single appearance.
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However, with Van Dijk also out of contract in June 2027, alongside Robertson's departure and Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit last summer, Liverpool's defensive unit is undergoing a significant overhaul.
Liverpool.com says: This would be the worst possible way for Liverpool to start what is already a hugely important summer.
If Konate is indeed leaving, that adds yet another priority onto the shopping list. There's no way Liverpool can go into the new season with two young defenders in Jacquet and Leoni, and an injury prone Joe Gomez partnering Van Dijk, who will be 35 when the 2026/27 campaign kicks off.