Konate set to leave Liverpool after contract talks collapse — Reports

France international Ibrahima Konate is reportedly set to leave Liverpool at the expiration of his contract next month after negotiations over a new deal broke down.

According to multiple British media reports on Friday, the 27-year-old centre-back and the club were unable to reach an agreement on the financial terms of a proposed contract extension despite earlier optimism surrounding the talks.

Konate, who joined Liverpool from German side RB Leipzig five years ago, had hinted last month that both parties were close to finalising a new agreement. However, reports from the BBC, The Times and The Guardian indicated that discussions eventually collapsed.

The defender is expected to be part of the France squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup and could now leave Anfield as a free agent.

His departure would represent another major exit for Liverpool during a busy summer rebuilding phase. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Scotland defender Andy Robertson have also reportedly left the club.

Liverpool are expected to reinforce their defence with the arrival of highly-rated French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal reportedly worth 70 million euros.

However, the 20-year-old defender is returning from a lengthy shoulder injury that sidelined him for the final four months of last season, raising concerns over experience and fitness heading into the new campaign.

Konate’s exit would leave Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, 34, as the club’s only senior central defender, increasing pressure on the club to strengthen defensively after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.

Liverpool’s defensive struggles were widely viewed as one of the major reasons behind their disappointing league campaign, with the club now expected to prioritise rebuilding the backline before the new season begins.