Ibrahima Konate is poised to leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of June, with talks between the two parties having broken down over a disagreement on wages and valuation.

The 27-year-old French international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 on a five-year deal worth £35 million. While both sides entered negotiations in November 2023 and appeared optimistic about a renewal — Konate told reporters after the Merseyside derby in April that he was "close to an agreement" and saw a "big chance" he would stay at Anfield — those discussions have now stalled entirely.

A growing list of Anfield departures

Konate would become the latest in a string of high-profile exits from Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold left on a free transfer last summer, and Mohamed Salah is also set to depart the club this summer without a fee. Andy Robertson is another player heading for the exit door.

The situation at centre-back is growing delicate. Captain Virgil van Dijk's contract runs out next summer, and at 34 he will be Liverpool's sole experienced central defender once Konate leaves. The club's attempt to sign Marc Guehi last September fell through on deadline day, with the England defender instead joining Manchester City in January.

Liverpool back their depth — for now

Despite the concern, Liverpool believe their defensive options are adequate following the recruitment of Giovanni Leoni last summer and the addition of Jeremy Jacquet this summer. The club's leadership appears confident in their cover at centre-half, at least in the short term.

However, sources indicate that Liverpool's immediate priorities lie elsewhere — specifically in finding a replacement for Salah and addressing the gap left by Hugo Ekitike's injury. Those needs, the club believes, outweigh the cost of tying Konate to an expensive new contract.