In a recent report, Bild’s Christian Falk has revealed that Liverpool are keeping a keen eye on Red Bull Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate. It is understood that the Reds are interested in acquiring the French centre-back’s services as Jurgen Klopp is looking to strengthen his defensive options for the future.
TRUE ✅ @ChelseaFC have contact to the Management of Dayot Upamecano. Like @FCBayern and @LFC. Liverpool is also interested in Ibrahima Konaté @BILD_Sport pic.twitter.com/uVh2B7falh
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 15, 2021
Konate’s Impressive Season In German Football
Konate has experienced a promising season at the Red Bull Arena but is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury. The 21-year-old has participated in 12 matches for the German outfit this term, scoring one goal and picking up two yellow cards in the process across all fronts.
The French youngster has given a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field as he is averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.4 clearances per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League group stages. He has even distributed possession relatively well after making 82.2% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Konate has put in some impressive displays for Leipzig over the past 18 months, so it is no surprise that a top club like Liverpool are showing interest in landing him. The early signs have been quite encouraging from him but he still has a long way to go before he can become a regular starter at the highest level.
What Will The French Defensive Ace Add To Jurgen Klopp’s Side?
Konate has already shown that he can handle the pressure of playing at the highest level by successfully establishing himself as a key member of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad. He has good defensive awareness that allows him to make a few crucial interceptions for his team.
The Leipzig whizkid can also use his powerful 1.95m frame to outmuscle the opposition and win some important aerial duels at the back. Plus, he is a decent ball-playing centre-back and could prove to be a fair addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad in the long-run.
The Reds have currently got Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of action with long-term injuries. Furthermore, Joel Matip has been quite injury-prone throughout his Liverpool career which has increased Klopp’s need to recruit a new centre-back during this winter transfer window.
Konate has got the skillset to serve as a good emergency signing if the Merseyside giants decide to move in for him this month. However, the wiser move would be to wait until the end of this campaign before deciding whether to launch an offer for him as the player is still quite raw and would need time to unlock his true potential.
