Ibrahima Konate hails Liverpool-linked Christopher Nkunku, as big Bundesliga claim made
Ibrahima Konate has heaped praise on France team-mate and Liverpool-linked star Christopher Nkunku, labelling him ‘the best player in the Bundesliga this season’.
Nkunku beat Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland to win the German league’s player of the season award in 2021-22. That came after he found the net 20 times, as well as registering 15 assists, in 34 Bundesliga games.
The attacking midfielder also scored seven goals in six Champions League outings, including a hat-trick against Manchester City. However, he couldn’t help RB Leipzig get out of Group A. They went on to make the semi-final of the Europa League but lost to Rangers.
Nkunku did taste success in the DFB-Pokal, however. He was in great form as Leipzig beat the likes of Hannover, Union Berlin and Freiburg to lift the domestic trophy for the first time.
Nkunku has been on the Liverpool radar in the past. More recently it has been Manchester United and Chelsea vying for his services.
Earlier this week the 24-year-old admitted it is ‘flattering’ that big clubs are after him. However, he said he feels the same about Leipzig ‘doing everything to keep me’.
This means Nkunku is open to joining one of Europe’s elite teams, although he is also happy to remain at the Red Bull Arena.
Amid all the transfer talk, Konate has spoken about Nkunku while on international duty. The two are training and playing together for France and were previously team-mates at Leipzig.
Ibrahima Konate ‘close’ with Christopher Nkunku
At a press conference (via RMC Sport), Konate lauded Nkunku by saying: “No need to describe Nkunku, he is the best player in the Bundesliga this season. He wins a lot, he is good technically.
“I am close to him, to [Matteo] Guendouzi or to [Moussa] Diaby and [Boubacar] Kamara at the Blues. In real life I am close from everyone.”
The comments don’t automatically mean Liverpool will launch a bid for Nkunku. However, Konate could tell Reds chiefs to try and sign him if they ask the players for their opinions on possible transfers.
Christopher Nkunku praises PSG and Paris
Christopher Nkunku could leave RB Leipzig this summer and he praises PSG saying that Paris is his home
Nkunku would be a great capture for Liverpool as he would help to replace some of Sadio Mane’s goals, should the forward join Bayern.
However, Nkunku rarely plays in a 4-3-3 with Leipzig. Therefore, either he or Jurgen Klopp may need to adjust if a move to Anfield does materialise.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly willing to spend big to sign Darwin Nunez ahead of rivals Manchester United.
