Ibrahima Konate 'speaks privately to teammates' after quitting Liverpool
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesIbrahima KonatéIt's claimed that Ibrahima Konate has made it clear to his Liverpool teammates that he will be leaving Anfield this summer when his contract expires, with Real Madrid among the frontrunners to sign the FrenchmanIbrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)It's believed Ibrahima Konate has made his intentions clear to his Liverpool teammates, informing them he will depart Anfield this summer once his contract expires.The France international's future on Merseyside has been the subject of considerable speculation for several months, with his Reds deal set to expire at the end of June. Reports surfaced on Friday suggesting that Konate has no intention of signing a new contract that would extend his five-year stint at the club.The center-back has been a cornerstone of Liverpool's defensive line ever since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021.
His departure will leave a considerable void and will likely require whoever succeeds Arne Slot to venture into the transfer market.According to French outlet RMC Sport, Konate has told his Liverpool teammates that his decision is final and he will be moving on when his contract concludes.Real Madrid remains the leading candidate to secure his signature.RMC Sport's report on Konate emerged on the same day Slot was relieved of his managerial duties, though Liverpool's decision is not expected to alter the defender's plans.Konate's contract will expire in June(Image: Getty Images)The Reds confirmed Slot's departure following the club's fifth-place finish, which nonetheless secured Champions League qualification for next season.Liverpool is understood to have held discussions with Konate's representatives on new terms since November 2023, yet no resolution has been reached.The defender disclosed in April that he was optimistic about penning a new agreement to prolong his Anfield career."For sure, there is a big chance I'm here next season. This is what I always wanted," Konate said"To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club, and we are [now] close to an agreement."I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible, but we are in a good way."Liverpool will welcome at least one fresh defensive addition to the squad this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet joining from Rennes, while the Reds will also anticipate having Giovanni Leoni fit following the center-back's ACL setback sustained during his club debut last September.Nevertheless, it's probable Liverpool could recruit an additional defender during the summer window, particularly should Joe Gomez depart.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCIbrahima KonatéTransfers