Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool when his contract expires in a matter of weeks, and he is being linked with a host of clubs, including one in the Saudi Pro League
20:57, 31 May 2026
Ibrahima Konate is leaving Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate is leaving Liverpool(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is reportedly being targeted by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad, amid confirmation that he will leave Anfield this summer.
It emerged on Friday that Konate was set to leave Liverpool after a breakdown in contract talks, and Liverpool officially confirmed that news on Sunday. A Liverpool statement said: "Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future."
Konate has been linked with both Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, but Foot Mercato reports that Al-Ittihad is among the clubs interested in signing the France international.
It is claimed that Al-Ittihad is keen to make a statement signing in defense this summer, and that Konate has emerged as the Jeddah-based club's priority target.
Konate's former Liverpool teammate Fabinho made the same move three years ago, leaving Anfield to join Al-Ittihad.
Fabinho is still at Al-Ittihad, although it has been reported that he may leave this summer as his contract is up, and a renewal is not currently on the cards.
Fabinho left Liverpool to join Al-Ittihad in 2023
Fabinho left Liverpool to join Al-Ittihad in 2023(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Konate issued a heartfelt statement on Sunday upon confirmation of his Liverpool exit.
Konate wrote: “Dear Liverpool. Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Representing this club has been an honor. We have shared incredible moments together… with highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
"Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.
“To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
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“And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.
“I am deeply saddened now that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
“I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you again soon, Inshallah. YNWA”