Liverpool reach agreement for Konate

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Ibrahim Konate from RB Leipzig, the club has confirmed.

The 22-year old French international has agreed a long term deal after passing his medical but subject to international clearance and work permit having finalised terms with the former Champions of the Premier League.

He will officially be a Reds player on July 1, 2021, after four years in the Bundesliga having made 95 appearances and scored four goals.

“I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool,” Konate told Liverpool FC.

“It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family and I am really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the staff and getting started on this new chapter.”

Manager, Jürgen Klopp is optimistic the quality of Ibrahim’s performance on the field of play will transform his side following defensive setbacks in the just-ended season.

Injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ruined Liverpool’s chances of defending the Premier League after breaking the 30-years jinx.

The rest struggled in the middle of the second round but were too determined not to miss a top-four spot after a hard-fought campaign with Nathaniel Philips and Rhys Williams deployed at the centre of defence.

According to Klopp, his defensive shape matters most ahead of pre-season and is looking forward to working with Konate.

“I am confident we are signing a player who can play for us right away, but he is a boy of 22 years of age who has room to improve because of his massive potential. I know that’s something he is eager to work on with us to become an even better player.

“For me, that’s really exciting because I have seen how good he is already and I’m looking forward to working with him when he joins up with us in pre-season.”