RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate has a £40 million release clause in his contract amid interest from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, as reported by SportBILD.
Here we go again.
After spending much of the past 12 months being linked with one half of Leipzig’s French duo, Liverpool have apparently turned their attention to the other.
Dayot Upamecano has agreed to join Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
And, while some have suggested this was a dagger to the heart of Klopp’s plans, Goal claims Liverpool decided against making a bid of their own.
Apparently, Klopp would prefer a defender more comfortable on the right-hand side – Upamecano has spent his time at the Red Bull Arena on the left.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Merseyside giants are suddenly going after a man who has spent the past two years standing a few yards to Upamecano’s right at the heart of Julian Nagelsmann’s watertight back line.
On paper at least, Konate would slot in perfectly alongside Virgil van Dijk at Anfield. In the eyes of some, the Paris-born 21-year-old is actually a better defender than the latest addition to FC Hollywood’s all-star cast – more aggressive and uncompromising than Upamecano.
And, according to BILD, Konate also has an affordable release clause in his contract. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United can snap up the former France U21 star if they are willing to pay the £40 million fee required.
The report adds that, in Strasbourg youngster Mohamed Simakan, Leipzig are on the verge of signing a new right-sided central defender. Konate’s successor, perhaps?
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