Why Ibrahima Konate talks broke down after nearly 3 years of Liverpool negotiations
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Ibrahima Konate is expected to leave Liverpool this summer, with talks between the defender and the club over a new contract breaking down after years of negotiationsIbrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)Ibrahima Konate’s exit from Liverpool is all but confirmed now, with the defender set to leave Anfield this summer after nearly three years of negotiations with the club.News of Konate’s departure first broke late on Thursday, with reports indicating that talks had broken down over a new contract, despite the 27-year-old telling reporters last month that he was close to a new deal with the Reds.His impending exit has now been picked up by various other outlets, with further details emerging on the breakdown in talks with Liverpool as his current contract expires in a little over a month.According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, the gap between the financial package the defender wanted to stay at Anfield and what Liverpool was willing to pay him was "just too big," leading to the breakdown in talks.Ben Jacobs has provided further insight into the process, with Liverpool having been in negotiations with Konate since November 2023.The club is said to have been prepared to pay him big wages, but ultimately chose not to proceed with what was seen as an expensive renewal.Konate had been in talks over a new contract with Liverpool since 2023(Image: (Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))Although Konate’s exit will leave Liverpool with just four center-backs now - including Jeremy Jacquet, who will complete his transfer from Rennes this summer - it’s suggested that the club will focus on strengthening other areas of the squad this summer, including a replacement for Mohamed Salah.Konate’s exit sees him perform a huge U-turn, having told reporters after the Merseyside derby victory over Everton in April that he was on the verge of signing a new deal at Anfield."My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time, we have spoken with the club, and we are close to an agreement," Konate said at the time.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible, but we are in a good way. This is what I always wanted." I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted, you will have to ask Richard (Hughes) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet."When everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago, before everyone talked about everything.
When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."Konate has already been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain as he prepares to leave Liverpool, while Real Madrid has previously been touted as a possible destination, although the Spanish giant reportedly withdrew its interest earlier in the season.