Centre-back said he hoped to remain at Liverpool but contract talks have broken down
Ibrahima Konate is expected to leave Liverpool after his representatives failed to reach an agreement with the club despite talks over a contract extension.
It means the France defender could depart on a free transfer next summer.
The 27-year-old has been in negotiations with Liverpool for several months over a new deal but the discussions have stalled and he is now increasingly likely to see out the remainder of his contract before leaving.
In April, Konate said he hoped to remain at Liverpool and suggested an agreement had been close. “There is a big chance I’m here next season,” Konate said. “This is what I always wanted.
“I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes, club sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”
If Konate leaves, it would represent the second successive year Liverpool have lost a first-choice defender without securing a major fee, after Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid following the end of his own contract.
Konate endured an difficult campaign in the just-concluded season but has remained an important figure since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021. His exit would also mean the departure of yet another one of the players signed under Jurgen Klopp.
