Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will leave the club when his contract expires in July, ending a five year stay at Anfield.
The French international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021. The club paid around £36 million for his transfer. Earlier this year, Konate said he was close to signing a new contract.
However, reports in British media said talks later broke down over salary terms. He is now set to leave as a free agent.
Konate becomes the third senior player to depart Liverpool on a free transfer this season after Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
The defender shared an emotional message on social media after the announcement. He said he was disappointed that he could not say goodbye to supporters during Liverpool’s final home match against Brentford.
“Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted… At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you,” he wrote.
Konate played a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title winning campaign in the 2024/25 season. He formed a strong partnership in central defence with captain Virgil van Dijk.
During his time at Liverpool, Konate also won two League Cups and one FA Cup. He was also part of the side that finished as runners up in the Champions League in 2022.
The 27 year old leaves the club after making a strong impact across five seasons and helping Liverpool win several major honours.
