Ibrahima Konate is reportedly set to leave Liverpool as the defender’s contract at Anfield comes to an end. The radio station talkSPORT reported on Thursday night that the Frenchman is to depart the Reds.
Konate’s contract is winding down this summer and it was previously reported that the 27-year-old would be signing a long-term deal. However, if reports are to be believed – and Sky Sports are claiming the same – he will be the latest high-profile departure from Anfield this summer with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving the club.
Konate’s potential exit signals further change at Liverpool with Salah and Robertson’s respective exits coming hot on the heels of the departures of fellow 2024/25 Premier League title winners Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz a year ago.
It also thrusts Liverpool into the market for a centre-back this summer when their main priority is signing a winger. The Reds got ahead of the game a year ago by bringing in Giovanni Leoni from Parma for around £27million but he suffered the cruelest of blows when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on debut in August.
Liverpool could look to make a move to bring back Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen a year after they sold him to the German side. Quansah has excelled in the Bundesliga and is in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
If Konate were to leave, it would be an about turn from the expected scenario of him signing a new deal. Only as recently as last month did the defender hint a new contract was in the offing after speaking to Reds sporting director Richard Hughes.
“To be fair, 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,” he said.
“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season, this is what I always wanted.
“I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
Konate’s father passed away in January and the defender spoke after the 2-1 win at Everton in April about how it affected him.
“It was a tough year and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve done for this club,” he added.
“Right now we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League and after we take the time to talk about the season because it’s going to be a big part of my story and it’s sad in one part.”