Liverpool have confirmed the departure of defender Ibrahima Konate after he failed to agree a new contract with the club.
The French star, 27, arrived at Anfield in 2021 and had been a key player under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, who was sacked by the club on Saturday.
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.
In a post on social media, Konate said: ‘Dear Liverpool, five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
‘Representing this club has been an honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool this summer after failing to agree a new deal
‘Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. during the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.
‘To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
‘And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.
‘I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
‘From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.
‘This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter.’
Liverpool said in a statement: ‘Liverpool FC can confirm Ibrahima Konate is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
‘The centre-back will depart Anfield at the end of June, bringing his five-year spell with the Reds to a conclusion. Signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, Konate made a total of 183 appearances and scored seven goals.
‘The France international will leave with a Premier League winner’s medal for his role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 title triumph, as well as successes in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup (twice) and FA Community Shield.
‘Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future.’
Konate’s departure leaves 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.
The money saved on Konate’s salary will go towards the next wave of recruitment, with 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig one of their key targets.
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.
He joins Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson in leaving Liverpool this summer.
Confirmation of Konate’s departure comes after the club sacked Slot, just a year after he guided the Reds to the Premier League title.
Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to succeed the Dutchman and Anfield chiefs are set to open talks with the former Bournemouth boss this week.
