Finishing touches needed as £34m Bundesliga star passes Liverpool medical
Liverpool just need to wrap up the finer details before completing the signing of Ibrahima Konate, who has reportedly already passed his medical.
The £34million deal to take the Frenchman from RB Leipzig to Anfield has been in the works for weeks, with the centre-back set to bolster a defence that was hit hard by injuries this season. The Reds ended the campaign with a respectable third-place finish, given the number of issues that Jurgen Klopp faced.
With Konate’s release clause triggered, the final step remains getting the player to agree to personal terms.
To that end, BILD claims that Konate has given the green light to a five-year deal contract. The report also adds that the 22-year-old ‘has already passed the medical check’.
At this stage there are conflicting reports over whether the deal will be done before the European Under-21s Championship finals.
Konate is set to represent France in the knockout rounds that start on Monday. A run to the final would see him still involved until June 6.
However, there is no rush, with no other interested parties mentioned within the report.
Konate has made 95 appearances for Leipzig in four seasons with the club. The pursuit of the talented stopper also means the Reds will not take up their option to sign Ozan Kabak.
The on-loan Schalke star had his ups and downs in a Reds shirt. But he lost his place to Rhys Williams as the campaign drew to a close.
Kabak has no shortage of admirers, however, with both Leicester and Newcastle linked with a summer swoop.
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Leeds star talks Liverpool, Man Utd links
Meanwhile, Leeds winger Raphinha hinted where his future lays amid transfer links to Liverpool and Man Utd before admitting he is in daily contact with Red Devils talisman Bruno Fernandes.
The Brazilian enjoyed a stellar debut season in the Premier League. Racking up six league goals and nine assists, the 24-year-old provided telling contributions on a regular basis. However, his standout season did not go unnoticed, with several of the league’s big hitters regularly credited with interest in prising him away from Elland Road.
A third suitor was reported to have joined Liverpool and Man Utd in the race in late April. That should come as no surprise given how highly the dangerous forward is rated by both pundits and teammates alike.
Interest from abroad has also emerged, with German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund considering the Leeds ace as a readymade replacement if Jadon Sancho departs.
Raphinha flattered by interest
Now, personally addressing rumours over his future, Raphinha admitted it was “difficult” to put into words what Man Utd and Liverpool’s interest meant having grown up watching several of their former superstars.
“It is difficult to define how I feel when I hear speculation about giant teams like Liverpool and Manchester United being interested in signing me,” he told UOL Sport in Brazil (via the Manchester Evening News)
“I grew up watching these teams on television. I saw Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo but I also saw Gerrard, as well as others like Henry, Deco, Lampard.
“Leeds was the one who bet on me. They are very happy, including the fans who seem to have a great affection for me.
“I have a contract for another four years and I don’t even think about leaving here for exactly this reason: I’m happy and I’m making others happy.”
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