Liverpool have finalised the signing of French centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, with the 22-year-old signing a long-term deal at Anfield this summer.
The Reds had been expected to secure a new central defender this summer, long before Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were hit with serious injuries throughout 2020/21.
And they have settled on Konate as an option who can both immediately compete for a spot in the XI and also work in line with the club’s long-term vision.
At just 22, Konate has experience in both the Champions League and Bundesliga having featured 95 times for Leipzig since signing for the German outfit in 2017.
A 6ft 4, the France youth international joins Liverpool after the club triggered his £36 million release clause.
His new squad number is to be announced at a later date.
The natural right-sided centre-back has pace, is dominant in the air and is comfortable dribbling the ball out from the back – made for a Jurgen Klopp side.
He arrives as a welcome addition to the centre-back ranks and is one with plenty of upsides, with age and experience on his side as he makes the move to Anfield.
Konate is part of France’s under-21s side for the knockouts of their European championship this summer. The competition starts on May 31, with the final taking place on June 6.
Welcome, Ibrahima!
