Discrepancy over clause emerges as Liverpool push for defender signing
Liverpool are continuing their pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, but the value of his release clause is shrouded in mystery.
Konate appears to be Liverpool’s top target as they look to strengthen in defence this summer. Injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip this season exposed a lack of depth in the position. They signed Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies in January but are looking for stronger solutions.
Davies is still yet to play for the club and it seems they will also say thank you and goodbye to Kabak when his loan spell from Schalke ends. To replace him, they are targeting another Bundesliga player.
Konate is the man at the top of their wish list and Leipzig have admitted they face a battle to keep the France under-21 international.
There is a release clause in his contract, which would allow Liverpool to sign him without any need for negotiations if they paid it.
According to Sport Bild, Leipzig are now waiting for Liverpool to pay that sum. They will gladly accept the financial windfall. However, there continues to be conflicting claims about how much that release clause is actually worth.
When news of Liverpool’s interest in Konate first emerged, it was claimed that it stood at €40m. But there have been claims that it is lower than that – and now a higher amount has been speculated.
Bild claim that Konate’s release clause is actually €46m. That may ward off Liverpool but the German club are actually hoping they still make a move.
Leipzig signed Konate for free back in 2017, so are guaranteed a hefty profit. They will then be able to reinvest – and have coincidentally been linked with Kabak.
First, though, they will have to see if Liverpool do meet the required fee. Personal terms have apparently already been agreed, but that will mean nothing unless the Premier League giants come to an agreement with Konate’s current club.
Liverpool tipped for surprise signing
Konate is not the only player who might swap the Bundesliga for Merseyside this summer.
Reports claim Liverpool could yet spring a surprise and sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund if they qualify for the Champions League.
Dortmund may sell the England winger for around £80m this summer. Although Liverpool have played down the idea of bidding for him, one former player thinks they will make a move.
READ MORE: Edwards tipped to spring huge shock and bring £80m star to Liverpool
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