After failing to persuade other targets, Al-Ittihad could turn their attention towards Liverpool’s 24-year-old star Ibrahima Konate.
As per Fabrice Hawkins, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad want to sign Ibrahima Konate. The Middle Eastern side have been scouring the European market for new central defenders, and so far, they have faced disappointment in their pursuit of some top-draw names.
Since the Middle of August, Al-Ittihad had been scouring the European market for a new centre-back. Having made high-profile signings like Karim Benzema and Jota, the Saudi Pro League side wanted to bring one or two centre-backs to strengthen their squad.
Al-Ittihad have made headlines recently following their high-profile pursuit of Mohamed Salah. There’s still speculation surrounding the Egyptian’s future at Liverpool, and now, the Merseysiders may have to deal with another problem with the Saudi side.
Al-Ittihad now want Ibrahima Konate to become their new centre-back and could make a massive offer to the 24-year-old star. As per French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Saudi side had approached Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo earlier, but the 23-year-old refused a big offer to move to the Middle East.
❗️Le club saoudien d’Al-Ittihad, où évolue K.Benzema, a fait une offre à JC Todibo mais a aussi sondé I.Konaté 🇫🇷💫
🔹Todibo a refusé une grosse offre. Il devrait rester à Nice même si M.United garde un oeil sur lui
🔹Konaté se sent bien à #LFC où il veut atteindre ses objectifs pic.twitter.com/jF9S06QJek— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) August 30, 2023
Konate is one of many centre-backs they have targetted, as reports of an interest in Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes surfaced recently. The Gunners have no intention to entertain any approaches from the Saudi side, and Al-Ittihad have since moved on to other targets.
Former Real Madrid and PSG star Sergio Ramos remains a target, while Fabrizio Romano recently reported on a potential move for Real Betis’ Luiz Felipe. With Konate emerging on their radar, Al-Ittihad could face further disappointment as Hawkins insists the Liverpool man does not want to move.
The idea of losing Salah so late in this transfer window continues to haunt Jurgen Klopp, and now the same with Konate will cause sleepless nights for the German. However, the 24-year-old star seems intent on staying put and ignoring the lucrative offers Al-Ittihad might put on the table.
Al-ittihad’s pursuit of new centre-backs could end up disrupting the preparations of many clubs as they could target their players. More frustratingly, since the European window ends, the Saudi one remains open for another 20 days, which could create a lot of uncertainty.
