Fabrizio Romano has told his Anfield Watch column that Liverpool’s board are delighted with Ibrahima Konate – after his move from Leipzig. They would not even consider selling for double the fee they spent to sign him.
Konate, 22, clocked up only his 16th appearance of the season on Sunday in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea – even scoring a penalty in the shootout. He came on for the duration of extra-time against Chelsea.
While he has not worked his way past Joel Matip yet, he has firmly established himself as first reserve – despite the presence of Joe Gomez. Konate cost Liverpool a fee of £29million last summer, from Leipzig.
Romano claimed in his Anfield Watch column that Konate is delighting the Liverpool board – and even if double that £29million fee was placed on the table for Konate, they would not sell the colossal French defender.
“Inside the Liverpool board, they believe they have found a gem,” Romano wrote. “‘If someone wanted to buy Konate, double that fee would not be enough’, is the comment that emerges in the circles close to the board.”
Romano on Konate: Liverpool talent is the future of Reds defence
Konate, at 22, is a proper talent. With Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both turning 31 in the summer, Konate will eventually replace one of those two – most-likely, Matip. He is the future of the Liverpool defence.
If Liverpool were to go out and find themselves a replacement for the likes of Matip or van Dijk, they would have to pay a fortune. So, buying a long-term replacement and letting him learn at Anfield is the best possible way.
When Konate does eventually replace Matip as first choice over the next season or two, he will show he is the perfect man to come in.
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