Liverpool is set to lose Ibrahima Konate for nothing this summer — and the Reds could see another player depart on a free transfer later down the line if they don't act now
11:59, 29 May 2026Updated 12:08, 29 May 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold was allowed to run down his contract at Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold was allowed to run down his contract at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Another one bites the dust at Anfield.
Over the last 24 hours, it's become clear that Ibrahima Konate will not continue his Liverpool career beyond this summer. The 27-year-old center-back, who has his best soccer years ahead of him, is poised to leave the club when his contract expires in a month's time. It's remarkable that Liverpool has allowed another key first-team player to run down his contract.
Just a year ago, the exact same thing happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Reds fans witnessed the Englishman's contract slowly but surely dwindle until Real Madrid was in a position to sign him for around $11.5 million — just a fraction of what he's worth.
Madrid only paid that cash to get Alexander-Arnold out of his contract a month early and make him eligible for the Club World Cup.
The Reds should've learned their lesson after the Alexander-Arnold fiasco. But they didn't. They should've got all of their 20-something superstars tied down to long-term contracts. But they are yet to do so, with Konate now on his way out.
Yes, Konate hasn't had the best season for Liverpool. Like many of Arne Slot's players, he's struggled to show his best during a difficult campaign. But he's still a top-class defender who will represent France at this year's World Cup and probably cost upwards of $70 million to replace. Keeping him seemed like a no-brainer, yet Liverpool and Konate were unable to reach an agreement.
The Reds must stop getting themselves into this situation. They need to get around the negotiating table with all their assets — starting with Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool must keep hold of Dominik Szoboszlai — or at least pocket a huge transfer fee for him
Liverpool must keep hold of Dominik Szoboszlai — or at least pocket a huge transfer fee for him(Image: Getty Images)
The Hungarian, who was undoubtedly Liverpool's best player this season, is about to enter the final two years of his contract. While that may not seem too alarming, Liverpool will only let speculation and anxiety build by taking their time.
Szoboszlai, 25, is clearly a player destined to spend the next seven to 10 years at the top of European soccer. The usual suspects, including Madrid, will become very interested in signing him on a free transfer if there's been no renewal in the next 12 months.
Liverpool can nip that worry in the bud by agreeing on a new deal with Szoboszlai now. As the Alexander-Arnold and Konate sagas show, delaying this process is not a risk worth taking.
And if Szoboszlai refuses to sign a new contract, the Reds still have time to cash in.
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What really makes Konate's exit sting is that Liverpool is losing him for nothing. Had the Reds sold Alexander-Arnold and Konate when the pair still had years left on their respective contracts, they could've raised huge amounts of cash.
Szoboszlai is even more valuable than Alexander-Arnold and Konate. He's shown this season that he has the potential to be a future Ballon d'Or winner and Liverpool captain. Could he command a $160 million transfer fee right now? Probably, especially when you consider that Chelsea has just slapped a similar price tag on Enzo Fernandez.
It's time for the Reds to learn their lesson — once and for all. They need to stop letting superstars run down their contracts.