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  "path": "/2026/06/02/chelsea-make-gentle-enquiry-departing-liverpool-star-28613823/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-02T08:10:14.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Football",
    "Sport",
    "Chelsea FC",
    "Chelsea transfer news",
    "Ibrahima Konate",
    "Liverpool FC",
    "Liverpool Transfer News",
    "Chelsea",
    "Liverpool",
    "Premier League",
    "FA Cup",
    "League Cup",
    "Sign up now",
    "Brentford",
    "Real Madrid",
    "The Athletic",
    "Foot Mercato",
    "ESPN",
    "RMC Sport in 2024",
    "France",
    "Paris",
    "PSG",
    "Deschamps said Saliba is ‘fine’ on Monday, allaying fears that the problem is serious.",
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  ],
  "textContent": "Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is expecting new arrivals (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nChelsea have put out the feelers over a move for outgoing Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is leaving the Reds this month.\n\nIt was confirmed on Sunday that the centre-back will be leaving Anfield when his contract finishes at the end of this month.\n\nThe 27-year-old had been in discussions with the club over a new deal but a financial agreement could not be reached.\n\nThe Frenchman will leave after making 183 appearances in all competitions and with a Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cup wins on his CV.\n\n##  The countdown is on\n\nOur seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.\n\nThe announcement of his departure came after the final game of the season and Konate said in a statement that he is ‘deeply saddened’ that he was not able to say goodbye to the Liverpool fans at Anfield against Brentford on May 24, despite playing in the game.\n\nThe defender has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but he could stay in the Premier League after leaving Liverpool.\n\nThe Athletic report that Chelsea have made a ‘gentle enquiry’ into Konate’s situation, with the Blues holding an interest in the centre-back.\n\nIbrahima Konate leaves after five seasons at Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nReal Madrid are interested in Konate, while there have also been links with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.\n\nFrench publication Foot Mercato specifically report that Al Ittihad is a possible destination for the Frenchman.\n\nParis Saint-Germain is another potential move for the 27-cap France international, with ESPN touting him as a successor for Marquinhos, who turned 32 last month.\n\n##  Ibrahima Konate's statement on leaving Liverpool\n\nDear Liverpool,\n\nFive years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.\n\nRepresenting this club has been an honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.\n\nLosing my father this year was one of the hardest period of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.\n\nTo my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.\n\nMohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate both depart Liverpool this summer (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nAnd to the supporters… Thank you for your love, your energy, your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.\n\nI 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.\n\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.\n\nThis isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter.\n\nSee you again soon, Inshallah.\n\nYNWA.\n\nThere would certainly be a pull to PSG, with Konate telling RMC Sport in 2024 of links to the club: ‘It’s a bit logical because I was born in France and in Paris. I have six older brothers and they all support PSG. We watched a lot of matches together and I went to the stadium a lot when I was younger.’\n\nKonate’s future may not become clear until after the World Cup as he has now linked up with the France squad before heading to this summer’s tournament.\n\nHe will be competing with the likes of Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Maxence Lacroix for a place in Didier Deschamps’ starting XI.\n\nIbrahima Konate arriving at Clairefontaine last week (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nDoubts emerged on Monday over Saliba’s fitness ahead of the World Cup, with a suggestion that the Arsenal man may not be able to play any part at all.\n\nThe central defender has been dealing with a back injury and reportedly aggravated it during Saturday’s Champions League final.\n\nDeschamps said Saliba is ‘fine’ on Monday, allaying fears that the problem is serious.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "Chelsea make ‘gentle enquiry’ over departing Liverpool star"
}