Jurgen Klopp finally appears to have secured a much sought-after centre-back in the form of RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate.
The Reds have long been linked with a move for the Frenchman, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano now suggesting that a deal is “set to be completed”.
Liverpool will be hugely boosted by the fact that they have managed to get a central defender through the door.
Will Ibrahima Konate be a good signing?
Yes, he’s perfect.
No, he’s not the right fit.
The Reds have hugely struggled this season due to long-term injuries suffered by Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Midfielder Fabinho has been forced to deputise in the heart of defence on numerous occasions and whilst not his fault, Liverpool have endured a huge drop-off in the league, currently sitting seventh and in a desperate scramble to get back into the UEFA Champions League.
The arrival of Konate though should go a long way in rectifying those problems having developed a reputation as one of the most exciting defenders in Europe.
At just the age of 21, the £31.5m-rated centre-back has made 92 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig since his 2017 move from Sochaux-Montbéliard.
Whilst he has not played as regularly this season under Julien Nagelsman, he has certainly still contributed having racked up a hugely impressive six clean sheets in just 11 starts in all competitions.
He has also certainly shown his class in the UEFA Champions League having already played eight matches in the competition proper, playing a key role in victories against Manchester United, Paris Saint Germain and Benfica.
However, he was not quite able to display his abilities to Klopp in person having been benched in each of Leipzig’s Round of 16 meetings with the Reds in the competition this season.
Nevertheless, the German will certainly be delighted to have secured the Leipzig man and to have finally got a defender through the Anfield doors.
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