Ibrahima Konate could leave Liverpool next summer. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Liverpool will have another busy summer transfer window in 2026 after spending over £400m 12 months ago. The search for a new central defender will take place regardless of whether Ibrahima Konate stays or leaves.
Konate’s situation has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, with the defender being out of contract at the end of the season. Liverpool continue to negotiate a new contract and were in pole position to secure a deal after Real Madrid ended their interest in the France international.
However, despite being disdained by Real Madrid, it is still very likely that Konate will no longer be a Liverpool player at the start of next season.
Liverpool intend to release Ibrahima Konate as free agent
According to Football Insider, Mick Brown has revealed that Liverpool are strongly considering not offering Konate a new contract, which would see him leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
“Just because Real Madrid left doesn’t mean he’ll stay at Liverpool. From what I’ve heard they have concerns about him, which have been exacerbated by his disappointing performances so far this season. “His upsides are very good, but he has weaknesses where he tends to ruin games by missing things.”
“I think Liverpool believe they can upgrade him, so they are having second thoughts about whether to extend his contract, but it’s still an option. Even if Real Madrid don’t sign him, there will still be suitors for him, so there will still be an opportunity for him to leave Liverpool if his contract expires.”
“I was not at all surprised to hear of Real Madrid’s departure. They have watched him so far this season and I think they decided they needed a more stable and reliable player. And in the same vein, I think Liverpool would be prepared to let him go. So there is a good chance that he leaves Liverpool, even if it’s not the move we expected.”
Should Liverpool bow to Ibrahima Konate’s contract demands?
To date, Liverpool have been unable to agree personal terms with Konate’s camp, which has demanded a significant wage increase for the player. The club’s reluctance to sign him to a new big contract is understandable, especially considering his performances since the start of the season.
