Premier League: Liverpool Sign RB Leipzig's Ibrahima Konate To Boost Defensive Options | Football News
Jurgen Klopp boosted Liverpool’s centre-back options by signing RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate on a “long-term” contract on Friday. France Under-21 international Konate will compete for a position at the heart of Klopp’s defence after they suffered a host of centre-back injuries this season. Liverpool triggered the reported 36 million pounds (50 million dollars) release clause in the 22-year-old’s Leipzig contract to seal his switch to Anfield. The move is subject to international clearance and a UK work permit. “I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool,” Konate told Liverpool’s 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.”
Konate is Klopp’s first major signing ahead of next season as the Reds boss looks to avoid a repeat of the defensive crisis that ruined their Premier League title defence.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined by long-term injuries, Liverpool were dethroned by Manchester City after a troubled campaign.
Klopp often had to use Brazilian midfielder Fabinho at centre-back and finished the season with inexperienced duo Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams as his two central defenders.
