Despite positive contract talks, Ibrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer with his next club already rumoured to be lined up.
Ibrahima Konate is anticipated to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, following a lack of progress during contract talks.
According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, despite positive reports in April, an agreement could not be reached between Liverpool and the French defender who is now set for a free transfer away from the club.
The Frenchman, who signed for the Reds back in 2021, will draw the curtain on a five-year stay on Merseyside.
Contract talks had been ongoing throughout the season, with a deal being touted as close in April following Liverpool's 2-1 victory in the Merseyside derby over Everton.
Speaking to The Athletic’s James Pearce, the Frenchman said:
“We are close to an agreement. I have a special relationship not only with the fans, but with every single person who works at the club. This club means so much to me. There is a big chance I'm here next season. This is always what I wanted."
After this, it was radio silence, and the positive updates seemed to stop altogether.
It will be the second time in as many seasons that the club has seen a first-team defender depart on a free transfer, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's controversial move to Real Madrid.
Konate isn't the only Anfield giant to be leaving the club this summer, with the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson announced before the conclusion of the season.
Mo Salah and Andy Robertson REUTERSThe pair were given their rightful send-offs in the final home game against Brentford, something the Frenchman did not receive, hinting at the recent breakdown in contract talks.
Across five seasons at Anfield, the defender made 183 appearances for the Reds, picking up four Major trophies, including last season's Premier League title.
2025 Champions League winners and current 2026 finalists Paris Saint-Germain are the reported favorites to land the talented 27-year-old defender on a free transfer, but nothing is finalized.
With no contract inked, Ibrahima Konate is expected to use the World Cup as the ultimate showcase where Liverpool supporters will be hoping he will tell club target Bradley Barcola all the positives about life on Merseyside.
As the defender looks set to leave, fellow Frenchman Jeremy Jacquet arrives at the club alongside a returning Giovanni Leoni. Whether or not Liverpool sign a replacement or if they see Jeremy Jacquet as that particular man remains to be seen.
With the opening of the summer transfer window less than a month away, expect rumours to pick up speed with Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool exit all but confirmed.
