Ibrahima Konate has future decided as four clubs in contact after Liverpool exit | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate's time as a Liverpool player looks like it's coming to an end.

The Frenchman has been a regular feature in the Reds' starting XI for the last few years with his partner in crime Virgil van Dijk alongside him almost every step of the way.

For months now, fans, journalists and pundits have expected the 27-year-old to extend his contract and stay with Liverpool.

However, since the two parties couldn't iron out the final details in his contract renewal, that hasn't happened and, much like Trent Alexander-Arnold, the centre-back is likely to exit on a free transfer.

This is a major blow for Liverpool, especially with how good Konate is but, since a deal couldn't be struck, it's now up to the defender to decide where his future lies.

Chelsea turn down chance to sign Ibrahima Konate while four other clubs have made contact to sign him

Konate leaving for nothing was probably not what anyone involved with Liverpool would have wanted.

The Frenchman has been one of the few constants in the Reds' starting XI and, even though there have been times when he's not been all that great, he's still one of the best options that the Anfield outfit have.

Of course, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni will probably be challenging for a starting role next term but, it's unclear whether they'll live up to the standards Konate often set.

However, now that he's leaving, clubs have been lining up to try and sign him with four clubs actually in contact with him right now.

That is, if a new update from TEAMtalk is to be believed.

"Any deal would still require a substantial financial commitment in terms of wages, signing-on fees and agent commissions, and Chelsea have opted not to pursue the opportunity," they wrote.

"With Chelsea out of the running, attention is now turning to the growing list of European giants tracking the Frenchman.

"TEAMtalk understands that while Konate prepares to travel to north America with the France squad for the World Cup finals, his representatives have re-engaged in discussions with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich regarding a potential move.

"We can also reveal that contact has been made with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona as Konate’s camp explores all available options ahead of a hugely significant decision on his future."

Liverpool must figure out their list of priorities ahead of the summer transfer window

Liverpool have a long list of upgrades that they need to make to their squad this summer.

Several members of their team are reaching the latter-end of their careers and some have just been miles off the pace.

Replacements for Mohamed Salah, Konate and potentially Andy Robertson are all needed this summer and, with Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo seeming to be a fraction of their former selves, that's five players who already need to be replaced.

And, if the Reds are wanting to compete for titles and out-do their performances from the 2025-26 campaign, a substantial amount of depth is going to be required.

However, without a head coach at the helm, it's hard for any deals to get in line as Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards won't know the profile of players that they'll desire.

Here's hoping that they have a swift plan of action to appoint someone so that they don't end up missing out on their main targets.