Ibrahima Konate is expected to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer after a failure to reach an agreement over a new contract.
In mid-April, Konate declared that he and the club were “close to an agreement” over a new deal, insisting that he “always wanted” to stay at Anfield.
Ibrahima Konate’s exit: A quick look
• Contract collapse: Ibrahima Konate is expected to leave on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal at Anfield.
• Mixed reports: Ben Jacobs reports an exit is expected, while the Mail suggests a departure remains a “distinct possibility.”
• Defensive crisis: His exit leaves Van Dijk thin on senior support, with Gomez linked away and youngsters returning from injury.
But the season concluded without a formal announcement as uncertainty remained over his future, which is now expected to see him play his football away from Anfield.
GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, an increasingly reliable source, broke the news on X, stating the Frenchman is “expected to leave” as no agreement was reached between all parties.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool and French team-mates Hugo Ekitike, with his boot on his right foot, and Ibrahima Konaté (R) after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended 1-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The *Mail*‘s Lewis Steele was not as declarative, stating that the centre-back’s exit is a “distinct possibility after [the] latest round of talks,” which was ongoing “as soon as last night (Wednesday).”
He adds that there are “no definites” as it stands, with “small details” having held up the renewal.
All signs, therefore, point to a departure as a free agent, five years and 183 appearances on from his arrival.
While his exit has been a real possibility throughout the season, it will leave Liverpool short on centre-back options, as it stands.
Virgil van Dijk will, again, be an undisputed starter, and he would be supported by Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet – both coming off season-ending injuries – and Joe Gomez, who is injury-prone and has been linked to a departure.
The club being willing to walk away from negotiations with Konate, would, you hope, indicate that they have an opportunity they can act on in the transfer window.
While the Frenchman has struggled for consistency, he is an experienced centre-back who has had an improved run with injuries and, at 27, is still considered to be in the prime years of his career.
Liverpool have several needs to address this summer and by bidding farewell to Konate, they would be adding another position to their ever-growing list ahead of Van Dijk’s final contracted year.