Exclusive: Ibrahima Konate Future in Doubt as Liverpool Close in on £60m Jérémy Jacquet Deal

A cloud of uncertainty is hanging over Ibrahima Konate after Liverpool’s defensive revamp has sparked fears of an Anfield exit, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Reds are on the brink of completing a stunning £60million move for Rennes centre-half Jérémy Jacquet, with £55m guaranteed and £5m in add-ons already agreed. 

The France Under-21 international is expected to sign a five-year deal, and his imminent arrival could trigger a dramatic changing of the guard at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

For Konate, the timing could hardly be worse, with AC Milan and Bayern Munich both understood to be interested in potentially doing a deal.

The 26-year-old joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for around £36m, arriving with a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders. 

DOMINANT FORCE

At his peak, Konate was a dominant force and he quickly became a KOP favourite, regularly overpowering opposition forwards and thriving in big matches.

But the past 12 months have been testing.

Injuries and patchy form have disrupted Konate’s rhythm and Liverpool’s once-feared back line has looked vulnerable. 

The Reds currently sit sixth in the table, having lost seven and drawn six of their 24 league fixtures, a return that has left supporters frustrated and anxious.

Under boss Arne Slot, Liverpool have struggled to find defensive consistency and now trail leaders Arsenal by a daunting 14 points. 

Reinforcements were always expected, but the scale of the Jacquet deal has raised eyebrows, and Konate’s future.

STRUGGLES

Despite recent struggles, Konate’s numbers remain impressive. He has made over 100 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, contributed to 30-plus clean sheets, and remains a regular fixture in France squads. 

And some of top clubs are paying attention.

Our sources understand Italian giants AC Milan are monitoring the situation closely as they hunt for defensive muscle and leadership. 

Meanwhile, German heavyweights Bayern Munich are also tracking developments, viewing Konate as a proven, top-level option with Champions League pedigree.

With his contract running toward 2026, questions are being asked about Konate’s long-term role if Jacquet arrives as the new defensive cornerstone.

Nothing is settled yet, but the message is clear, a new defender is coming and suddenly Konate’s future at Anfield is wide open.