Ibrahima Konaté will leave Liverpool on a free transfer when his deal ends on June 30, ESPN reports. The French centre‑back has been in contract talks since November 2023, but negotiations stalled despite an optimistic April interview. He arrived from RB Leipzig for £35m in 2021 and made 183 appearances, collecting a Premier League crown, two Carabao Cups and an FA Cup.

Last summer Liverpool signed teenage defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, only to watch him suffer an ACL tear on his debut. To offset the loss, the club secured Rennes centre‑back Jérémy Jacquet for a reported £60m fee, underscoring a commitment to revamp the back line as Konaté exits.

Konaté’s departure opens a senior roster spot and trims wages, but also removes a player who anchored Liverpool’s title‑winning defence with pace and aerial presence. Klopp must decide whether to promote Leoni, rely on Jacquet, or explore additional signings to maintain defensive stability. The choice will influence the club’s transfer budget for the upcoming window.

With the defensive overhaul already underway, Liverpool heads into pre‑season knowing its back line will look markedly different. The success of Jacquet and the recovery of Leoni will directly affect the Reds’ ability to compete for the 2026‑27 title. Fans will judge the window by how quickly the new unit gels.