Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has decided to leave the club after contract extension negotiations broke down ahead of the expiration of his deal on June 30, according to the Telegraph.
The France international had previously indicated a strong desire to remain at Anfield, but subsequent discussions failed to bridge the financial gap between what the player required and what the club offered.
The 27-cap international leaves Anfield after a five-year tenure, having originally arrived from RB Leipzig for £36 million in 2021.
During his time with Liverpool, the defender accumulated 183 appearances, scored seven goals, and secured four major honors.
Contract Talks Turn Sour
The breakdown in discussions stands in stark contrast to public comments made by the defender following the Merseyside Derby six weeks ago.
"My future?
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," said Konate at the time.
The center-back expressed confidence regarding his long-term tenure at Anfield during those discussions in April.
"I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible. For sure there is a big chance I'm here next season.
This is what I always wanted," he said.
He then directed further contractual inquiries toward the sporting management of the Premier League club.
"I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet," Konate added.
However, the defender declined to provide any further updates on his contractual situation following a recent 1-1 draw against Brentford at Anfield.
"Today I don't speak!" he said.
Konate becomes the third established member of Liverpool's recent title-winning defensive unit to depart the club, following the exits of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
The club previously signed central defenders Giovanni Leoni for £27 million and Jeremy Jacquet for £60 million over the past year, though both players missed significant game time last season due to serious injuries.
Liverpool is currently focusing transfer market priorities on a new right-winger to replace Mohamed Salah, actively pursuing RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande who holds an £86 million release clause.
