Liverpool are said to be in advanced talks to complete the signing of RB Leipzig centre-half Ibrahima Konate.
That’s according to the very reliable David Ornstein, of The Athletic, who claims the Reds are now finalising the deal, which will cost €40 million.
The France international has formed a solid partnership with compatriot Dayot Upamecano at RB Leipzig, but the latter will join Bayern Munich in the summer.
Fans – Liverpool’s included – have been reacting to the Konate news online, with some highlighting positive aspects of Konate’s game, whereas others have decided to focus on his unfortunate injury record.
MORE: Konate to Liverpool news ramps up as reliable journalist drops contract details
The Leipzig star’s fitness woes are somewhat misleading on paper. One look at his record on Transfermarkt and anyone could come to the conclusion he’s injury prone, but the website also compiles precautionary exclusions and includes international/summer breaks in the ‘days missed’ column.
That aside, many Liverpool fans have expressed their excitement of the news on social media, with one Twitter user claiming Konate is ‘better than Upamecano‘ in a glowing review of the young defender who is seemingly Anfield bound.
Here is a selection of some of our favourite tweets below:
People don't realise he's better than Upamecano. Fuck sake what a signing
— Zakaria Outten (@ZakariaOutten) March 29, 2021
BREAKING: bed wetters see this & think he’s made of glass
He’s had ONE bad injury in 3yrs & torn thigh can happen to anyone
The 96 days falls in a pre season so is misleading
CB’s will get knocks but pre season with Van Dijk by his side & he’ll be intercepting not tackling 😍 pic.twitter.com/Wh2LVa5Gki
— Darwinho (@Dijkinho) March 29, 2021
Yeah very, one of the best young talents out there
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) March 29, 2021
https://twitter.com/Call_Me_Daniels/status/1376429900039589889
Just because a player has had injuries doesn’t mean you don’t sign them. He is only 21 and he clearly never recovered properly from his serious injury. Just needs to be managed effectively. RB probs rushed him
— Jamie (@JamieWinchcomb) March 29, 2021
If he is fit and plays with Van Dijk than the league goes back to Liverpool
— Can you believe it? (@ShuldBeVERIFIED) March 29, 2021
Would be really hard for Leipzig if they lose Upamecano and Konate in one season. Can't believe they would risk their sporting success.
— RustyFCB (@RustyFCB) March 29, 2021
Lovely stuff
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) March 29, 2021
I mean he is perfect for us😜 pic.twitter.com/YiwX2Ll1m0
— Δημητρης Καλογεράκης (@DIMITRISYNWA) March 29, 2021
Liverpool signing one of the best young cbs around whilst we’re going to give rudiger another contract cos of some good games in a back three hurts
— TheAlpineMessi (@alpinemessi23) March 29, 2021
Nice. Very nice