Ibrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool this summer after failing to agree a new contract at Anfield.
The French international, who arrived on Merseyside in 2021 and has been a key part of Liverpool’s defence under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, will be out of contract on July 1 and has not been able to agree new terms with the club.
Konate was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid last summer but ended up staying at Anfield, prompting several months of negotiations between Liverpool and the defender as the club attempted to tie down his future.
It is understood that Liverpool began negotiations over a new deal back in 2023 with improved terms being offered, but they were unwilling to make a decision that would jeopardise their long-term financial position – or pay him disproportionately more than other players in the squad.
Konate’s departure will leave Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whose deals both expire next summer, as the only experienced centre backs at Anfield.
The club are set to give 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet, who will join this summer from Rennes, the chance to go straight into the first XI. He has not played since a serious shoulder injury in February but is expected to be fit for pre-season training at Liverpool.
They will also give opportunities to 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni – who joined last summer but suffered a season-ending ACL injury on debut, in a Carabao Cup tie against Southampton.
With the faith they place in those players and the departure of Mohamed Salah and injury to Hugo Ekitike – who is recovering from achilles surgery – it was also felt resources would be better spent bolstering attacking positions.
Konate had hinted in April that a deal was close to being agreed, despite widespread speculation he was edging towards an exit.
He said: ‘There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement. I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way.’
‘For sure, there is a big chance that I’m here next season. This is what I’ve always wanted.’
Ibrahima Konate looks destined to leave Liverpool this summer after failing to agree a new deal
Konate played a key role for Liverpool and Arne Slot during their title winning season last year
But Konate will now leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of June, joining Salah and Andrew Robertson in waving farewell to the club.
Salah and Robertson, who each individually will be remembered as legends of the Premier League giants, were given emotional send-offs during Liverpool’s final match of the season against Brentford last weekend.
Konate has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid. Chelsea have played down reports that they are in for the defender, who will link up with his France colleagues today at a pre-World Cup training camp.