Ibrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool as a free agent after the Reds made attempts to keep the France international on an extended deal, GMS Sources understand.
Liverpool signed Konate back in 2021 from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £36 million, which has seen him progress into a regular starter alongside Virgil van Dijk.
In those five years at Anfield, the 27-year-old has racked up 183 appearances across all competitions, along with two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, and the Premier League title.
Having impressed early on, Liverpool have attempted to keep the star, but the contract talks haven't progressed and as widely reported, he is now set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season.
Ibrahima Konate Contract Discussions
Alisson Konate Van Dijk
GMS Sources understand that Liverpool have been attempting to seal a new contract with Konate since 2023, with the Reds initially opening up discussions three years ago.
There was a willingness to offer improved terms to the defender to represent his own standing in the squad, reflecting his progression into the starting lineup.
However, despite Liverpool's desire to keep the 27-year-old at the club, there hasn't been enough movement on either side to close the gap in expectations over the value of an extension beyond this summer.
That may have come as a shock, given that it was just last month that Konate himself suggested an extension was close during a post-match interview following the Merseyside Derby win over Everton.
"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."
Now, just over one month on from that claim, the defender is set to leave at the end of June.
Jacquet and Leoni Could get More Chances
Arne Slot
GMS Sources understand that Liverpool want to give Jeremy Jacquet, who joins from Rennes after agreeing a deal earlier this year, and Giovanni Leoni, who is returning from an ACL injury, the chance to fulfil their potential at Anfield.
The duo, aged 20 and 19 respectively, are viewed as two of the most promising young defensive talents in the world, but they will need game time to reach their potential.
Liverpool's Centre-Backs Age Contract expiry
Virgil van Dijk 34 2027
Jeremy Jacquet 20 2031
Giovanni Leoni 19 2031
Joe Gomez 29 2027
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This would be a blockbuster move.
That is not to definitively rule out any defensive signings. But there are other important issues to address this summer, chiefly the departure of Mohamed Salah and the injury to Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool will therefore need to manage their financial resources well.