Liverpool have been heavily linked to RB Leipzig center back Ibrahima Konate. One talented central defender from the best club in east Germany has made his way to an elite team, as Bayern Munich activated Dayot Upamecano’s release clause a couple of months ago. So Konate, likewise, could be headed to a recent Champions League winner if the Reds activate his release clause, which is said to be below 40 million euros, cheaper than Upamecano’s.
Signing Konate could mean that another Bundesliga center back, Ozan Kabak, heads back to his parent club instead of moving to Anfield on a permanent transfer.
Let’s take a look at three ways Liverpool can benefit from signing Ibrahima Konate.
Ibrahima Konate can give Liverpool useful depth with upside
The name of the game nowadays is to stock your roster with young talent who can grow but can also play now. That’s the ideal situation, and Konate is a 21-year-old center back who is currently playing for a Champions League-level side that is not far away from giving Bayern trouble in a Bundesliga they’ve won nine straight times.
In fact, Liverpool played Leipzig head-to-head in the Champions League Round of 16, and the young side did not embarrass themselves by any stretch. That means Konate wouldn’t be making a huge step up, whereas Kabak had been playing for two relegation-level sides in Germany in VfB Stuttgart and FC Schalke 04.
Konate will only get better with experience, but he’s already capable of being an excellent backup center back for Liverpool who can start. With how grueling the seasons are becoming and all the games played, Konate will get his chances.