Ibrahima Konate is reportedly set to leave Liverpool FC when his contract expires next month after both parties failed to reach an agreement over a new deal.
According to multiple British media outlets, including the BBC, The Times and The Guardian, negotiations between the France international and Liverpool broke down over financial terms.
Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig five years ago, had indicated last month that discussions over a contract extension were progressing positively.
However, reports on Friday claimed the two sides were ultimately unable to agree on the financial structure of the proposed deal.
The 27-year-old defender is expected to be part of the France national football team squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup next month.
His departure would make him the third major exit from Liverpool this summer following the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Liverpool are expected to strengthen their defence with the arrival of 20-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais FC in a reported €70 million deal.
However, concerns remain over the club’s defensive depth after Jacquet missed the final four months of last season with a shoulder injury.
Konate’s exit would leave Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the club’s most experienced central defender as the team looks to rebuild following a disappointing Premier League campaign that ended with a fifth-place finish.
