Report: Ibrahima Konate exit forces Liverpool into defensive rebuild

By SABC Sport
29th May 2026

Ibrahima Konate is reportedly set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with the Premier League champions, bringing an end to his five-year spell at Anfield.

The France international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 and quickly became an important figure in the club's defence. Since arriving on Merseyside, Konate has made 183 appearances and helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.

Talks over a contract extension had been ongoing for several months, but both parties were unable to reach an agreement. The 27-year-old is now preparing to move on, with several clubs across Europe monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Konate's expected departure could trigger major changes in Liverpool's defensive department as Arne Slot continues reshaping his squad for next season.

Liverpool have already secured the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth around 60 million pounds. The young defender will officially arrive this European summer and is regarded as one of the club's key long-term investments at centre-back. However, Jacquet ended the season sidelined with a shoulder injury.

There are also questions surrounding the futures of several other defenders. Joe Gomez has entered the final year of his contract, while Virgil van Dijk remains the leader of the back line. Young defender Geovanni Leoni is still recovering from an ACL injury, meaning Liverpool may yet enter the market for further defensive reinforcements.

Slot is also expected to strengthen midfield. Liverpool are believed to be looking for another holding midfielder to compete with Ryan Gravenberch as they prepare for another demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

At left-back, uncertainty remains after Andy Robertson said his farewells at the end of the season. Kostas Tsimikas is due back from loan, but Liverpool could still look to add more cover in that area.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan continue to track Curtis Jones. The Serie A side have admired the midfielder for some time, and his future remains uncertain after an inconsistent season under Slot.

Jones made 16 Premier League starts last season, although many of his appearances came from the bench despite finishing the campaign with a run of consecutive starts.