Julian Nagelsmann has issued a blunt response to reports linking Premier League giants Liverpool with RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, while speaking to Kicker.
Is this France U21 international on the verge of a big-money move to Anfield? Or is this merely a case of all smoke, no fire?
Well, it is hard to tell really.
Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Liverpool have agreed a deal that will see Konate move to Merseyside on a five-year deal, with the Reds triggering the £31 million release clause in his contract.
Romano even began the Tweet with his imitable ‘Here We Go’ catchphrase. So you know it’s legit.
From the Konate camp, however, radio silence has been the order of the day. The 21-year-old told BILD last week that there has been no contact from Liverpool, all the while suggesting that he had no intention of breaking his Leipzig contract – one which is not due to expire until 2023.
Confusion reigns, for the time being.
And Nagelsmann refused to shed any light on the situation when asked about Konate’s future after Leipzig’s 2-0 victory over Stuttgart this weekend.
“(The reports are) perceived like all other rumours. Not that important to me,” the current Leizpig (and possibly future Bayern Munich) boss explained.
“I haven’t talked to him about it yet.”
Until Konate is posing for photographs in front of Anfield, hand in hand with a grinning Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool supporters will be keeping their powder dry and their expectations low.
There are understandable concerns regarding Konate’s fitness record too. The talented defender has missed 15 games this season alone due to a combination of ankle and muscle problems.
With a relentless string of injuries ruining Liverpool’s hopes of retaining the Premier League title, it remains to be seen if Konate will be the solution or just part of the problem.
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