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Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that centre-back Ibrahima Konate will end his five-year spell at Anfield when his contract expires next month, following a collapse in contract talks.
Although the 27-year-old France international previously expressed confidence about signing a new deal, negotiators failed to reach a breakthrough.
He becomes the third high-profile star to walk away from Anfield on a free transfer this season, following the departures of long-serving icons Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
During his successful stint on Merseyside, Konate helped anchor the defence that powered Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League title, alongside capturing an FA Cup and two League Cups.
However, his form dipped drastically this season during a chaotic campaign for the club.
The Reds recently sacked manager Arne Slot after a fifth-place finish left them 25 points behind champions Arsenal, and rumours now link the Paris-born defender with a move to European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Konate’s imminent departure will likely force Liverpool back into the transfer market to hunt for more defensive depth.
While the club already secured Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in a £60 million ($81 million) deal for next season, losing the Frenchman leaves a significant void in the squad’s backline.
