What happened: Liverpool walked away from contract renewal talks with defender Ibrahima Konaté (27), turning down a renewal agreement, according to L'Equipe. The club confirmed on Sunday that the France international would leave when his current deal expires, making him available on a free transfer.

Why it matters: Losing a first-choice centre-back for no fee is a notable blow to Liverpool's defensive planning and squad value. The decision follows Liverpool's confirmation that Konaté would leave as a free agent when his contract expires, ending an extended period of stalled negotiations.

What to watch: Watch for confirmation of Konaté's next destination and how Liverpool move to replace him in central defence ahead of the 2026 campaign.