Liverpool look set to bring in a new defender this summer, with RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate nearing a move to Anfield.
The Athletic broke the news on Monday, reporting that Liverpool are finalising a deal to sign Konate this summer.
That move would allegedly cost €40million (£34million), with Liverpool going for Konate to bolster their back line for next season and beyond.
Such a move for the 21-year-old leaves questions over Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies, but Leipzig seem a little confused.
Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche has been quoted by Goal as saying that he doesn’t think a move to Anfield is an option.
Krosche highlighted that Konate has a long contract with the club, and they want Konate to develop, failing to see a reason for him to leavae.
“I can’t say anything on that topic,” said Krosche. “I think that this is not an option for Ibu. He has a long contract with us and he knows what we mean to him and what he means to us.”
“He was unlucky last year as he had a longer injury but this year he is in a good way and he is an extremely important player that has a lot of potential. We want to help him to further develop, and we play internationally, have a very good team, so I don’t see a reason for him to leave us,” he added.
The Athletic and David Ornstein are very reliable, so we’re still believing that Konate is indeed Anfield-bound and this is all just part of the game until a deal is done.
Remember that Leipzig just confirmed Dayot Upamecano’s exit to Bayern Munich, so they may want to wait before hitting fans with Konate’s departure too – and Liverpool are well-positioned for a move.
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