Liverpool in process of wrapping up £33m deal for RB Leipzig’s talented centre back Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool are on the brink of finalising a deal for RB Leipzig’s talented French centre back Ibrahima Konate, according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp has been dealing with a crisis at the back all season, with injuries to both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, but the Reds are making sure they have the strength-in-depth to cope in the future.

And according to The Athletic, Liverpool have moved to boost their squad as they look to wrap up a deal for Konate ahead of the summer transfer window.

French defender Ibrahima Konate is close to sealing a move to Liverpool from RB Leipzig

Jurgen Klopp is moving quickly to bring in a centre back ahead of the summer window

A move to bring the French youngster to Anfield is believed to be at an advanced stage, and Konate could leave for Merseyside at the soonest opportunity – which would prove invaluable given the Euros is on the horizon this summer.

With Leipzig not in a position of having to sell, any buyer will reportedly have to pay Konate’s release clause of £33million (€40m), rather than trying to negotiate a lower asking price. 

Leipzig, who sit second and four points off Bayern Munich in Bundesliga, are understood to be aware of interest in their centre back but if Liverpool choose to pay his release clause, no talks would be needed.  

The 21-year-old moved French club Sochaux back in 2017 and has impressed in the heart of Leipzig’s defence despite injuries limiting his game time.

Konate has impressed for RB Leipzig, who sit second in Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich

Konate has featured under 100 times for Leipzig but he has attracted plenty of interest from a number of European giants.

Liverpool brought in both Ozan Kabak – on loan with an option to buy – and Ben Davies in January to ease their injury crisis at the back.

But the Reds were always likely to bring in another centre back on a permanent deal in the summer following their problems this season, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson both having to feel in at centre back which has cost them dearly in midfield. 

More to follow… 

Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have both been sidelined with long-term injuries this campaign