Breakthrough for Liverpool as deal for top target is ‘set to be completed’ soon

Ibrahima Konate is set to complete his move to Liverpool from RB Leipzig imminently, according to one respected journalist.

Konate has emerged as a top target for Liverpool as they look to strengthen in defence. Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies came in during the January transfer window but the former is only on loan and the latter is yet to play. Hence, they could seek stronger reinforcements in the summer.

There has been plenty of speculation about a move for Konate in recent weeks. It appears the Frenchman is Liverpool’s top target ahead of the summer.

And now, they may have reached a breakthrough. According to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have been agreed and a deal is close.

Romano wrote on Twitter: “Ibrahima Konate to Liverpool, here we go soon! The deal is set to be completed, personal terms agreed on a five-years contract.

“Liverpool will pay the release clause to RB Leipzig in the next days [around €35m] in order to finalize the signing of Konate.”

Konate has been with Leipzig since 2017 and is also a France under-21 international. This season, he has only been able to start six games in the Bundesliga due to injury issues.

But Liverpool seem to have no concerns about this. There were rumours that he was undergoing medical checks in Paris last month.

Hence, should all go to plan he could arrive on Merseyside for next season.

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That may spell bad news for Kabak, who has been a regular in the backline since his January switch from Schalke. We revealed earlier this month that it was unlikely Liverpool will be able to sign both Konate and Kabak permanently without selling some big names.

The news should be well received by other figures connected with Liverpool, though. Konate could provide exactly what they need to complement the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip when they return from their injuries.

Konate recently denied contact

Just last week, Konate denied he had been in contact with Liverpool.

“There are often rumours in football and many believe them immediately,” he told Bild.

“I or my agents didn’t get a call from Liverpool. I also have big goals with RB Leipzig: These are currently the best possible results in the Bundesliga, reaching the cup final and the U21 European Championship with France.”

It seems things have been progressing behind the scenes, though. Various sources have been reporting on Liverpool’s negotiations and now they could be close to the end of the transfer saga.

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