Liverpool in advanced negotiations for RBL defender Konaté
RB Leipzig also threatens the loss of Ibrahima Konaté after Dayot Upamecano. Negotiations with Liverpool are said to be at an advanced stage.
In England, The Athletic, one of the most trusted sources in the football world, reports that RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC are about to close a deal for Konaté. The Reds want to bag the commitment of the young defender, who like Upamecano is one of the most promising talents in the world, as soon as possible – Konaté is therefore a central point in Liverpool’s squad planning for the coming
Konaté release clause
Konaté still has a contract with the Leipzig until 2023, but has a release clause of 40 million euros. Since RBL feels no further selling pressure after the departure of Upamecano, Liverpool will very likely have to pull the clause – there is no leeway to negotiate the transfer downwards.
What will happen to Kabak?
Should the Reds be able to complete the transfer of Konaté as expected, the question arises as to what would become of Ozan Kabak. The young Turk was loaned from FC Schalke last winter and can be signed for around 20 million euros via a purchase option.
However, since Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have fully recovered for the new season, Liverpool including Konaté already have four strong central defenders – there would actually be no space for Kabak. Konaté’s commitment would probably mean the end of the Schalke loan
