Konaté to leave Liverpool on free transfer after deal collapses

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté will leave Anfield as a free agent this summer after failing to agree a new contract. Months of negotiations between the French defender and Liverpool ended without a resolution before the transfer window. Konaté, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, had been expected to extend his stay at Anfield. His contract was set to expire in 2026, but the collapse of talks triggered his release clause. Chelsea and Real Madrid have emerged as potential destinations amid the free-agent pursuit. Chelsea’s interest was first reported in April, while Real Madrid are now reconsidering a move for the centre-back. Konaté made 102 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions. He scored 13 goals, including crucial strikes in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Liverpool’s defensive reshuffle continues with Konaté’s departure. Virgil van Dijk remains the first-choice centre-back, with Joël Matip and Kostas Tsimikas also in contention. Konaté is set to become a free agent on July 1, opening a 30-day window for clubs to sign him without a transfer fee.