Word quickly spreading across the European media on Friday evening suggests that Liverpool are set to complete their swoop for RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate over the coming days.
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Central defender Konate’s name of course took centre stage in the transfer market over recent weeks.
This came amid widespread claims that Premier League champions Liverpool were readying a summer assault for the 21-year-old.
The heart of the club’s backline has proven a major problem area for the Reds to this point in the campaign, amid a host of long-term injury problems.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT )Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool collides with Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
And Konate, in turn, was said to have been identified as the kind of player ready to step into Jurgen Klopp’s ranks for years to come.
Late last month, the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic went as far as to claim that the transfer chiefs on the red half of Merseyside were working towards ‘finalising’ a deal for the Frenchman:
🚨 Exclusive: Liverpool working to finalise deal for Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. Not done but significant progress made + #LFC pursuit of 21yo French centre-back now advanced. Likely his ~€40m release clause will need paying @TheAthleticUK #RBLeipzig https://t.co/GIdqf6yMXN
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) March 29, 2021
‘Here we go!’
Subsequent reports surrounding the subject widely varied, with Konate himself having moved to play down links to Anfield just last week.
As outlined above, though, if the latest word emerging from the media on Friday evening is to believed, then the transfer, as reported by the aforementioned Ornstein, is now imminent.
The latest update comes courtesy of Fabrizio Romano, regarded as something of an expert when it comes to all things transfer-related.
And, according to the Italian, Liverpool are ready to activate Konate’s Leipzig release clause (cited as being closer to €35m) ‘in the next days’.
This comes after the personal terms of a five-year contract were thrashed out between the parties, with the latest addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad ‘set to be completed’ well in advance of the summer market actually opening.
Ibrahima Konaté to Liverpool, here we go soon! The deal is set to be completed, personal terms agreed on a five-years contract.
Liverpool will pay the release clause to RB Leipzig in the next days [around €35m] in order to finalize the signing of Konaté. 🔴 #LFC https://t.co/N4OWqqXiGu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 23, 2021
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