Liverpool have confirmed that Ibrahima Konate will Leave Anfield this summer.
The Reds failed to agree fresh terms with the French defender, whose contract will officially expire at the end of June.
Konate, 27, will move on a free transfer, with reports in France suggesting that Chelsea are among his potential suitors.
Upon their centre-back’s decision to leave, Liverpool wrote in a club statement: “Liverpool FC can confirm Ibrahima Konate is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
“The centre-back will depart Anfield at the end of June, bringing his five-year spell with the Reds to a conclusion.
“Signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, Konate made a total of 183 appearances and scored seven goals.
“The France international will leave with a Premier League winner’s medal for his role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 title triumph, as well as successes in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup (twice) and FA Community Shield.
“Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future.”
Following Liverpool’s confirmation, Konate posted a lengthy statement of his own to Instagram.
The defender thanked the club’s supporters, staff and coaches for “helping him grow every single day”.
He also admitted: “I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.”
Chelsea could look to add experience to their back line by recruiting Konate on a free.
But French paper L’Equipe claim that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also in the mix.
And Foot Mercato reckon that Saudi side Al-Ittihad could make a swoop.
Konate had hinted last month that he would stay at Liverpool.
He said: “There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement.
“For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I’ve always wanted.”
Liverpool sacked boss Arne Slot on Saturday, with Andoni Iraola the front-runner for the job.
The Reds’ new boss will have only four senior centre-backs on the books – Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, injured Giovanni Leoni and soon-to-arrive Jeremy Jacquet.
