Liverpool confirm Ibrahima Konate to leave Premier League club on free transfer in summer transfer window
Updated 31/05/2026 at 18:05 GMT+1
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France centre-back Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening.
Gerrard ‘gutted’ for Slot but admits Liverpool departure ‘not a surprise’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Konate's Anfield future has been up in the air in recent months but there had been growing hope that he would pen a new deal on Merseyside before the end of the season.
However, The Reds have now confirmed that the France international will extend his stay at the club and will depart officially at the end of June.
"Liverpool FC can confirm Ibrahima Konate is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer," a statement read on the club's official website.
"The centre-back will depart Anfield at the end of June, bringing his five-year spell with the Reds to a conclusion.
"Signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, Konate made a total of 183 appearances and scored seven goals.
"The France international will leave with a Premier League winner’s medal for his role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 title triumph, as well as successes in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup [twice] and FA Community Shield.
"Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future."
Konate took to Instagram and posted a reel of his best moments in a Liverpool shirt.
"Dear Liverpool, five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams," the post began.
"Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"Representing this club has been an honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
"Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.
"To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
"And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.
"I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.
"This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter."
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Slot: Salah and I both have same interests for Liverpool
Video credit: SNTV
Confirmation of Konate's departure comes just a day after Liverpool announced the sacking of Arne Slot as head coach.
Slot took over in 2024 and guided the club to the 2024-25 Premier League title.
However, the Dutchman was shown the Anfield exit following his second season on Merseyside after a disappointing title defence.
Liverpool finished 25 points behind eventual champions Arsenal and only wrapped up UEFA Champions League football on the final day of the campaign.
"Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way," The Reds said in a statement.
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard admitted to TNT Sports that he is "gutted" that Slot was relieved of his duties.
"I'm not surprised," he said. "I'm gutted for Arne Slot because, in his first year, he did an incredible job.
"Taking the reins from the great Jurgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill. I think he did it seamlessly. It's very difficult to win the Premier League, and I know that more than most."
- Liverpool part ways with Slot, process to hire successor underway
- ‘He should be in the conversation’ – Gerrard backs Iraola to succeed Slot
Konate, meanwhile, is not the only player who'll leave Liverpool this summer.
Mohamed Salah brings an end to a nine-year stay at Anfield this summer despite penning a new contract last year.
Left-back Andrew Robertson is another that will exit the club, with the Scot tipped to now complete a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Robertson came close to a move to the north London side in the January window.
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