Liverpool often wastes little time in getting their business done at the end of a season and this year looks to be no exception.
Having confirmed the signing of Fabinho in the wake of the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, the Reds look set to confirm the arrival of RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate in the near future.
The Frenchman, who turns 22 today, has seemingly been heading for an Anfield arrival for a number of weeks but could now be closer than ever as reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Twitter.
Twitter: Liverpool will complete the signing of Ibrahima Konaté from RB Leipzig, confirmed. He’ll join #LFC soon. Personal t… https://t.co/Q0ZBngPYeT (@FabrizioRomano)
Liverpool are reportedly likely to have to pay the Frenchman’s £34million release clause all in one instalment.
Konate has played 21 times in all competitions this season in Germany – earning an average Sofascore rating of 6.68 in the Bundesliga.
The 6’4 powerhouse has been called up by France for the upcoming Euro 2020 Under 21 championships.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Signing a central defender had to be a priority this summer given the crisis suffered in the department this season just gone.
Perhaps the most worrying element of the deal would be Konate’s own dubious injury record – missing 15 games this season with various problems.
The big-money arrival of a defender does raise questions over the futures of Ozan Kabak, Ben Davies, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.
Kabak may feel hard done by were Liverpool to turn way from the £18million deal as Romano suggests, whilst Phillips has almost certainly warranted a place in the plans with his displays.
This leaves Davies and Williams, both will likely be moved on in some capacity for the 2021/22 otherwise Klopp will have seven or eight first-team ready centre-backs.
