Ibrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires in June after discussions over a renewal ended without agreement.
Talks between Liverpool and Konate’s representatives had been ongoing for an extended period but failed to reach a resolution due to differences over valuation and wage terms. The defender’s current contract was due to expire this summer, leaving him available on a free transfer.
Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a reported fee of £35m on a five year deal. Both sides were previously open to extending his stay, and in April he said there was a “big chance” he would remain at the club.
Negotiations had initially begun in November 2023, but no agreement was reached. Reports indicate that discussions have now stopped, confirming his expected departure.
It is understood that Konate will become one of several Liverpool players to leave on a free transfer this summer, alongside other senior departures already confirmed.
Liverpool have recently strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Giovanni Leoni and the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet. However, both players are at early stages of their development and have had injury setbacks, with Leoni recovering from a long term knee injury and Jacquet missing part of last season due to a shoulder problem.
The current senior centre back options at the club are Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, both of whom remain under contract. Van Dijk is 34, while Gomez is 29.
Liverpool’s recruitment focus is believed to be on other areas of the squad, including attacking reinforcements, rather than agreeing an extended contract for Konate on improved financial terms.
