Ibrahima Konate looks to be edging closer to the exit door at Liverpool, with talks over a new contract for the defender at Anfield having reportedly broken down
10:23, 29 May 2026
Ibrahima Konate looks set to leave Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate looks set to leave Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate could be about to perform a huge U-turn on his future, just over a month after suggesting he was close to a new deal at Liverpool.
Reports emerged late on Thursday that the defender is set to leave Anfield this summer, with talks over a new contract at Liverpool breaking down ahead of his current deal expiring next month.
Konate’s exit would come as a major blow to the Reds, who already have plenty of work to do this summer - and not least because it seemed just over a month ago that he would be putting pen to paper on a new contract.
Speaking to reporters after Liverpool’s win over Everton in the Merseyside derby in April, Konate appeared to confirm that the wait for a resolution over his future was near, and that he would be staying with the Reds.
"My future? To be fair, 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," Konate said at the time.
"I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible, but we are in a good way. For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted, you will have to ask Richard (Hughes) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
Konate seemed to confirm he would be signing a new deal at Liverpool after the Merseyside derby
Konate seemed to confirm he would be signing a new deal at Liverpool after the Merseyside derby(Image: Getty Images)
"When everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago, before everyone talked about everything. When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."
He went on to add: "I think I'm a leader already for this team, for the younger players, and for everyone to be fair.
“We know this is part of the football life. The legends are going to leave one day and after, it's going to be our turn to take the lead. I started this already and it's a big responsibility.”
Konate’s future has been a major talking point for well over a year now, with the defender having dropped various hints on his future along the way, but even after a difficult 2025//26 campaign, the defender appeared to be content.
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"It was a tough year because many things happened, and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, and which kind of sacrifices I've done for this club,” Konate added.
"I think it is great, and one day I will take the time to think about it. Right now, I am focused on the end of the season and making sure we are qualified for the Champions League next season, and after we take the time to talk about this season, because it's going to be a big part of my story.”
Liverpool.com says: You have to wonder how the situation could have got to this point if Konate was so confident about signing a new contract - or perhaps it was a tactic on his part amid the talks with the club.
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Either way, if he does end up leaving Liverpool, it won’t be a good look for Richard Hughes or Arne Slot.