Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig this week and after they bought Naby Keita from the Germans, Jurgen Klopp has discussed the relationship the two clubs have.
Julian Nagelsmann might be set to join Bayern Munich as their new manager but his RB Leipzig is so similar to Liverpool that it makes sense why the English side has once again bought one of their players.
When the Reds signed Naby Keita from RBL on July 1st 2018 after he spent another year in the Bundesliga, Ralph Hasenhutl was the manager and even then the parallels between the two clubs were there for all to see.
High pace, intense with an emphasis on stealing the ball high up the pitch and a desire to score as quickly after winning the ball back are the main similarities between the two clubs.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – FEBRUARY 16: Yussuf Poulsen of RB Leipzig and Ozan Kabak of Liverpool battle for possession during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC at Puskas Arena on February 16, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. PHOTO BY LASZLO SZIRTESI/GETTY IMAGES.
Liverpool also signed Takum Minamino from sister club RB Salzburg and while the Japan international hasn’t made a success of his time at Anfield just yet, it’s obvious that there is a strong relationship between the clubs.
A player that Klopp could sign by utilising this relationship is Patson Daka but the 22-year-old is reportedly a West Ham target, with David Moyes side understood to be the favourites to land him.
Speaking after Liverpool confirmed Konate’s move, Klopp discussed the relationship with RBL and how it’s beneficial when signing their players: “He also played for a team in the Champions League in high-pressure matches, who have a similar football vision to ourselves.
“I am confident we are signing a player who can play for us right away, but he is a boy of 22 years of age who has room to improve because of his massive potential. I know that’s something he is eager to work on with us to become an even better player.
Konate is Liverpool’s first signing of the summer and arguably the most important. (Photo by Tw/AnfieldWatch)
“For me, that’s really exciting because I have seen how good he is already and I’m looking forward to working with him when he joins up with us in pre-season.”
The similarity between what Klopp calls the two clubs’ ‘football vision’ is something that is important. This relationship and symbiotic relationship could pave the way for a series of transfers over the next few years.
Liverpool aren’t just a top team but they like to win in the right way, the Liverpool Way.
This is evidenced by the Reds winning the Premier League’s Fair Play award for the fifth season in a row.
