Konate’s time at Anfield is up after five years, during which he won one Premier League title, one FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.

Despite telling reporters as recently as last month that he was ‘close to an agreement’ and that ‘for sure there is a big chance I’m here next season’, the two parties have been unable to finalise terms.

Clarity on Konate’s future is expected imminently, as he is preparing to join France’s World Cup squad ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The timing creates an unusual window in which interested clubs must act quickly before the player’s focus shifts to international football.

Konate has made 183 appearances for Liverpool since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dominant aerial defenders.

His availability on a free transfer – a rarity for a player of his calibre and age – has generated significant interest, with Al-Ittihad capable of offering a financial package few European clubs could match.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were both credited with serious interest in Konate, but that speculation has cooled.