Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on RB Leipzig defender over a possible move, as they continue their search for a centre-back.
According to reputed German journalist Christian Falk, Ibrahima Konate is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The RB Leipzig defender is the latest centre-back to have appeared on the radar of the Premier League champions, who also have central defensive partner Dayot Upamecano in their sights.
Konate joined RB Leipzig from FC Sochaux in the summer of 2017, arriving at the club regarded as one of the best up and coming defenders in France. Since then, however, injuries have halted any sort of momentum he has attempted to build, meaning his participation for Leipzig has been heavily restricted.
The same has been the case this term, with the 21-year-old already suffering a couple of injuries. As a result, he has started just 9 of the 23 games that Leipzig have played in the ongoing campaign. His stock, though, remains as high as ever, which explains why Liverpool are interested in him.
The Reds’ pursuit of signing a centre-back has been well-documented, despite suggestions that they could choose not to bolster the heart of their defence despite a crisis at the back. This has obviously been contributed by the long-term injuries suffered by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, with Joel Matip also struggling with fitness issues.
As a result, Fabinho has been utilised as a makeshift centre-back, a role he has excelled in. Having said that, with Jurgen Klopp scouring for a fit senior centre-back, it is understandable why Liverpool could be in the market for a central defender, with several names, including Ben White linked.
Another such target is Konate, whose RB Leipzig teammate Dayot Upamecano is also on the Reds’ radar. The interest in the 21-year-old does make sense despite his fitness woes, considering his nascent age means Klopp could mould him in his image at Liverpool.
However, the injuries would surely be a concern and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool follow up on their interest in the youngster with a bid. For now, it looks like Konate is the latest defender to be linked with a possible move to Liverpool, whose stance on signing a centre-back this month remains uncertain.
