Konate set to join Liverpool after they meet Leipzig's £40m buyout

Ibrahima Konate is set to join Liverpool after they meet RB Leipzig’s £40m release clause for defender – with centre back set to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s injury-depleted backline

  • RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate is close to joining Liverpool ahead of next season
  • The Reds have met the £40million release clause of the 22-year-old defender
  • Virgil van Dijk , Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all suffered long-term injuries this term

Liverpool are set to complete the transfer of Ibrahima Konate from Red Bull Leipzig after agreeing to meet his £40million release clause.

The centre back, who turns 22 today (Tuesday), is in France preparing for his country’s European U21 Championship quarter-final against Holland next week, and German sources understand he will resolve his move to Anfield imminently.

Liverpool have been looking to strengthen in central defence after losing Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to injury this season. 

Ibrahima Konate (right) is on the verge of joining Liverpool after they met his £40m buyout

The RB Leipzig defender, who turned 22 on Tuesday, has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while

They identified Konate as a target last year but he suffered an ankle injury in December and was an unused substitute in both Champions League knockout games between the two clubs in the round of 16.

Konate featured 21 times for the German outfit this season but only started eight matches in the Bundesliga as Bayern Munich-bound Dayot Upamecano and Willi Orban established themselves as the first-choice centre-back pairing.

Leipzig are already understood to be looking for a replacement for Konate with France also keen that the deal is wrapped up quickly so he can focus on his international commitments.

Ironically, the Bundesliga club have shown an interest in Ozan Kabak who has been on loan at Liverpool since January.  

Konate will bolster a Liverpool backline that was decimated by injuries at centre back this term




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