U-turn perfect
©IMAGO
This article was first published on May 29, 2026 and was updated following Konaté’s final departure from Liverpool on Sunday.
In mid-April it looked like a continuation between Ibrahima Konaté and Liverpool FC, but now a U-turn has been made. As the Reds and the player confirmed on Sunday, the LFC and the 27-year-old central defender are parting ways. Konaté’s contract expires this summer, which is why the French World Cup driver is the most valuable free transfer professional on the transfer market with a valuation of 50 million euros. And therefore of great interest to top international clubs.
“Five years ago I came here as a young player with big dreams. Today I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Konaté told fans on social media. It now fills me with deep sadness that I didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to you all in person at the last game. Little did I know at that moment that it would be the last time I would wear this jersey in front of you. (…) wherever my path takes me. This farewell is not easy for me, but it is time for a new challenge and a new chapter.”
According to “L’Équipe”, Real Madrid is maintaining contact with the players, while FC Bayern and Chelsea FC, with their new coach Xabi Alonso, are also said to have chances of signing Konaté. Around a month ago, almost everything looked like an extension at Anfield Road. “We have been in discussions with the club for a long time and are close to reaching an agreement,” the defensive man told media representatives after the 2-1 win against city rivals Everton on April 19th. “I think that’s what everyone has wanted for a long time, but we’re on the right track. There’s definitely a big chance that I’ll be here next season. That’s what I’ve always wanted.”
His wish probably won’t come true. According to reports, the negotiations were unsuccessful, meaning there was no full agreement between the former Leipzig player and Liverpool. While the poker was delayed due to the LFC’s poor season, other clubs are said to have picked up the scent and thrown their hat into the ring. What is said to have caused Konaté to rethink.
The defensive man, who moved from RB Leipzig to the Reds for 40 million euros in the summer of 2021, had been linked with a departure from Anfield Road for months, before it looked like an extension again. When asked why the talks dragged on, Konaté recently said: “That’s how negotiations work. It was exactly the same with Virgil (van Dijk) and Mo (Salah) last season. I think they signed their contracts in April and maybe that’s exactly what the club wants. (…) I have a very special relationship not only with the fans, but with every single employee of the club. It’s such a great club, a great family. This club means a lot to me.”
Konaté was set at Liverpool FC – soon level with Lewandowski?
Konaté was in Liverpool’s central defense this season and played 51 times for the club. Over his entire time at the club there were 183 appearances (seven goals/four assists). Last year, the 27-time national player became champion with the English team, won the FA Cup in 2022, the EFL Cup in 2022 and 2024 and the Community Shield in 2023. Should FC Bayern get serious and take advantage of their chance, Konate could become the most valuable free transfer signing in the Bundesliga – on a par with Robert Lewandowski. In addition to the Polish attacker, who came from Dortmund for free in 2015 and was worth 50 million euros, Leon Goretzka (2019 from Schalke; average value 40 million euros) and Konrad Laimer (2024 from Leipzig; average value 28 million euros) were also sent to the Isar after their contract ended.
