Liverpool could be edging towards their first summer signing in the shape of RB Leipzig central defender Ibrahima Konate.
That has seemingly been the case for some time after an initial report from The Athletic in March claimed the Reds were in advanced talks over a deal.
Since then there have been regular updates, albeit with little progress.
Now, reputable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has gone one step further on Twitter claiming a ‘total agreement’ has been reached between the club and payer regarding personal terms.
Twitter: Ibrahima Konaté has a total agreement on personal terms with Liverpool until June 2026, as announced last April.
… https://t.co/XDqV7mMMyI (@FabrizioRomano)
It comes as no surprise Jurgen Klopp would want to prioritise central defensive reinforcements given the injury crisis faced this season.
Konate himself does have a checkered injury record, missing lengthy periods of action on two separate occasions.
Since returning from one of those aforementioned problems this season, the 21-year-old Frenchman has made 20 appearances across all competitions – earning an average Sofasore rating of 6.71 in the Bundesliga.
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Signing a player of Konate’s potential for the mooted £34million release clause is another example of shrewd business from the Reds.
Whilst assurances will be needed over the young powerhouses injury record, at just 21 Klopp will be excited by the prospect of working with the France Under 21 international.
Valued at £31.5million (Transfermarkt), the 6’3 central defender possesses the qualities required to become an elite-level performer – honing those skills under the tutelage of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk will do no harm.
