Liverpool are set to say their goodbyes to Ibrahima Konate after the bombshell announcement that the French defender will not be staying at Anfield.
The former RB Leipzig star was in contract talks with Liverpool for several months, but an agreement could not be reached over new terms for the 27-year-old and he will now leave on a free transfer.
In a post to the supporters on social media, Konate said: “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 honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together. 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.
“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 that I never took for granted.
“I am deeply saddened that I didn’t 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 for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you again, Inshallah.”
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— Ibrahima Konate (@IbrahimaKonate_) May 31, 2026
Real Madrid enter the picture for Konate once more
In November, Diario AS reported that Real Madrid had communicated to Liverpool that they were no longer targeting Konate.
Now, Football Espana reports that ‘after months of negotiations’, Liverpool have decided against signing Konate to a new deal due to the finances involved, opening the door once more to Real Madrid.
The report statees: “Real Madrid have made a habit of recruiting players on free transfers over the past six years, and Konate would fit their transfer policy. They intend to bring in one or two central defenders this summer, but Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also considering offers for Konate, and there is some interest from Serie A too.
“They say that regardless, Jose Mourinho, who is expected to be announced as the new manager in two weeks’ time, will have the final say on Konate.”
Konate would dominate in La Liga
Compared to the Premier League, there is a much slower pace to the game in Spain. La Liga would be a place where Konate would thrive.
His ability to thwart counter-attacks would give Madrid a strong base to establish their possession game, and under Mourinho, Konate could once again become a powerhouse in the European game after the regression of the 2025-26 season.