Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has posted a comment on Instagram following the news of Ibrahima Konate's departure emerged after a breakdown in new contract talks
16:33, 29 May 2026Updated 16:42, 29 May 2026
Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike during a Champions League game for Liverpool.
Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike during a Champions League game for Liverpool.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has urged Ibrahima Konate to sign a new contract at Anfield amid news that the center-back is set to depart as a free agent this summer.
Konate posted a picture of himself arriving for France international duty ahead of the World Cup, where he was set to play alongside Ekitike until the latter's serious Achilles injury saw him ruled out, with Liverpool fans flooding the comments with messages asking the defender to stay.
And Ekitike replied to one message telling Konate to "sign the contract" with the words "signe frere" and two laughing emojis. Translated, that means "sign brother".
A few weeks ago, Konate said that a new deal with Liverpool was close. However, the deal was never signed and the expectation now is that he will depart.
"For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season," Konate had said at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when he spoke to reporters after helping the Reds to beat Everton.
"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.
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 08: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at Parc des Princes on April 08, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"When everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard (Hughes) 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."
Konate also spoke about being a leader within the locker room, with Arne Slot set to lose some big names from his roster this summer, with a clear need for others to step up into leadership roles.
"I think I'm a leader already for this team, for the younger players, and for everyone to be fair," Konate said.
"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.
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"We start and we play football to have this kind of chance and to make sure everything is fine for this amazing club. But I need the help of everyone as well."
Signed from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has been at Anfield for five years. He will not be short of options on a free transfer, with Real Madrid and PSG among the sides to be linked with a move for him.
Liverpool.com says: Konate leaving is a blow and he will need to be replaced. The Reds have good young options coming through at the back, but at 27, he is another experienced head following Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson out of the door.