Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires in June, following a breakdown in wage negotiations.
The 27-year-old French international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £35 million on a five-year deal.
>>> Spurs Force Game 7 with Blowout Win Over Thunder
Talks over an extension began in November 2023 but failed to reach an agreement over player valuation and salary expectations.
According to BBC Sport, Konate will follow teammates Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah in departing Anfield without a transfer fee this summer.
The defender had previously expressed optimism about his future, stating in April that there was a "big chance" of an agreement and later saying he was "close to an agreement" after the Merseyside derby.
However, Liverpool's management prioritized other roster areas over an expensive renewal for Konate.
His departure leaves 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk as the only experienced central defender on the roster.
Van Dijk's contract also enters its final year next summer.
>>> Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Demands Underdog Sports Halt Unethical Hoops Board Game
Liverpool previously lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, who secured an early release to participate in the Club World Cup.
The club also missed out on signing Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City in January.
Club officials remain confident in their defensive depth after recent additions.
Liverpool signed 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni from Parma last summer for £26 million plus add-ons, and 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for £60 million.
Both young defenders are recovering from injuries.
>>> Jessica Shepard's Historic Triple-Double Leads Dallas Wings Past Las Vegas Aces
Jacquet missed four months with a shoulder injury after 21 appearances for Rennes, while Leoni is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear sustained in September.
