Liverpool sign Konate from RB Leipzig

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.

The centre-back signs a long-term deal to move to Anfield after the Premier League club triggered his release clause, reportedly set at £36million.

Konate, who is currently away with the France squad at the European Under-21 Championship, will add further depth at a position where the Reds were beset by injuries during the 2020-21 season.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were long-term absentees for Jurgen Klopp, who leaned on the inexperienced pairing of Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams during the run-in as Liverpool finished strongly to secure a top-four place.

 

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2021

“I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool,” Konate, who turned 22 this week, told Liverpool’s official website.

“It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family and I am really looking forward to meeting my new team-mates, the staff and getting started on this new chapter.

“Right now, my focus is on the U21 European Championships with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling.

“I have worked very hard for many years to get to this point, but I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at RB Leipzig and all the people I worked with there – the coaches, my team-mates, the staff and especially the fans.

“Your support helped me grow up during my time there and become not only a better player, but a better man and I will always be grateful for it.”

Konate made 95 appearances for Leipzig after moving to Germany from Sochaux.

He did not play when the Bundesliga club were drawn to face Liverpool in the Champions League this season, missing both legs of the last-16 tie as the Reds ran out 4-0 winners on aggregate.