It had already been reported that Ibrahima Konaté would not be extending his contract with Liverpool FC, which expires at the end of June. Now the Reds have confirmed the former Leipzig player’s departure on a free transfer.
At the end of April, Ibrahima Konaté still expected to stay at Liverpool. “We’ve been in talks for a long time and are close to reaching an agreement,” the defender said after the derby win against Everton (2-1), adding: “There’s definitely a good chance I’ll be here next season.”
However, negotiations dragged on even after that—with the result that the parties could not reach an agreement, and Konaté will therefore leave the Reds on a free transfer this summer. In 2021, the Frenchman had signed a five-year contract following his move from RB Leipzig, which received approximately 40 million euros at the time.
During this time, Konaté developed into a top-tier European center-back alongside Virgil van Dijk; his greatest triumph with the Reds was winning the 2024/25 Premier League. He also won the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the Carabao Cup twice with LFC.
Remembering Diogo Jota
“Five years ago, I came here as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It has been an honor to represent this club,” said Konaté, who bid farewell to the fans and the club in a statement via Instagram. “Together, we’ve experienced incredible moments—with highs and lows, titles, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever—none of which was more painful than the loss of our brother Diogo,” Konaté recalled, referring to the death of his former teammate Diogo Jota.
“The loss of my father this year was one of the hardest times of my life, yet even during that difficult period, my commitment to this club remained unwavering. In the toughest moments, I gave everything for this crest,” said the 27-year-old, who was deeply saddened “that I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to all of you during the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d wear this jersey in front of you.”
The 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final Premier League matchday was Konaté’s 183rd and final appearance for Liverpool. The Reds are thus continuing their overhaul, as in addition to the surprising departure of manager Arne Slot, club legends Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson are also leaving the Merseyside club.
It remains to be seen where Konaté will end up. Before he begins his search for a new club, Konaté will compete with France in the World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
