Markus Babbel has told Sky Germany that Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate are among the latest stars to have ‘big problems’ away from RB Leipzig after their transfers to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has raided the Red Bull Arena twice in recent years to strengthen his Anfield midfield and defensive ranks. Keita left the Bundesliga side in July 2018 after the Reds paid a £48m release clause. And Liverpool returned to last May and paid Konate’s £36m clause.
Konate was not the only French centre-half to leave Saxony last summer, either, as Dayot Upamecano joined Bayern Munich. Liverpool had also shown an interest in his availability, per The Guardian, but Der FCB edged the Merseysiders to trigger his €42.5m (£35.5m) fee.
But neither Konate nor Upamecano have enjoyed instant success as a mainstay with their respective clubs. Despite often impressing when he has played, Konate has only played 18 times so far this term. Upamecano, meanwhile, has played 29 but he has often struggled.
As for Keita, the Guinea international has amassed 100 appearances from a potential 207 games in all competitions since joining. He has regularly wrestled with injuries, with his 25 Premier League games in 2018/19 so far remaining his personal-best single-season return.
Babbel feels Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate have ‘big problems’ at Liverpool
Babbel – who played for Liverpool from 2000-2003 – feels Keita, Konate and Upamecano are just some of the latest players who have struggled after leaving RB Leipzig. As history shows those who shine in Saxony is no guarantee they will be a success anywhere else.
“It’s really amazing when you look at the recent transfers from RB Leipzig,” Babbel said. “Whether it was a Keita or a Konate to Liverpool, both have big problems there. And now also Upamecano.
“With Marcel Sabitzer, you could think that the Sabitzer in Munich is a twin brother of the Sabitzer in Leipzig. Sometimes you think he’s never played football. These guys all find it very difficult when they leave Leipzig because they have their own style of play there.”
Konate could prove an exception to the rule having impressed with Liverpool following his transfer from RB Leipzig last summer. But the Frenchman has stiff competition from Virgil van Dijk, while Joel Matip has continually flourished after overcoming his fitness problems.
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