Al-Ittihad target departing Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté | OneFootball

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are plotting a move to sign Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (27), according to Foot Mercato. The France international will leave the Reds upon the expiry of the five-year contract he has signed back in 2021. Talks over a contract renewal broke down, promprint both parties to leave the negotiations without reaching an agreement. Konaté reportedly informed his Liverpool teammates that he would not extend his stay on Merseyside.

Konaté’s experience at the highest level and his status as a free agent will surely attract plenty of suitors in Europe, but also beyond. Foot Mercato understands that Al-Ittihad have joined the race to sign the former RB Leipzig defender. The Jeddah-based outfit has only finished fifth in the SPL standings.

Al-Ittihad are plotting a statement signing to strengthen their defense, and they have made signing Konaté a priority. However, Al-Ittihad’s situation behind the scenes with head coach Sergio Conceição looking for an exit and the expected arrival of a new Sporting Director in Ramon Planes could make their pitch harder to sell for Konaté.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval