Liverpool’s £36m deal to sign Konate is a masterclass and this is highlighted by Arsenal’s proposed move for Ben White worth £45m + £5m in add-ons.
The Reds signed the Frenchman from RB Leipzig after his exit clause was triggered which saw a £36m lump sum paid after Michael Edwards was unable to negotiate a payment structure similar to Thiago’s.
Liverpool managed to sign a 22-year-old that is considered to be the future best centre-back in the world by Leipzig’s coaching staff.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – MAY 16: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Ibrahima Konate of RasenBallsport Leipzig controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena on May 16, 2021 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
All this despite interest from Manchester United and in a market that has been made all the more tumultuous by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edwards is often called a genius by supporters on Twitter but the truth is that he doesn’t actually get enough credit and his acquisition of Konate has been highlighted by Arsenal’s latest move in the market.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that the Gunners have made a £45 + £5m bid to sign Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Make no mistake – White is a fantastic defender and has the potential to be one of the best in the Premier League in a few years and even Liverpool were interested in him.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United in action with Ben White of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on September 26, 2020 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
That said, signing homegrown players comes at a cost as clubs infamously place a tax on their players which saw Manchester United pay Leicester City £80million for Harry Maguire in 2019.
Liverpool have shown their superior transfer tactics by signing Konate for a lower fee than White, who is also a year older than the Frenchman.
Liverpool fans laud Edwards for Konate deal
Konate at £36m was an absolute steal if Ben White is worth £50m.
— 𝘼𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙀𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 (@AnfieldEffect) June 24, 2021
Konate = £36M
Ben White = £50M
Michael Edwards really is the man
— James Wilkinson (@james_wiIkinson) June 24, 2021
They signed Ben White. We signed Konate. Not everyday cry and waffle https://t.co/cQxiIgPGkK
— . (@RB_07FtboI) June 24, 2021
£50m Ben White makes £35m Konate look like an absolute bargain.
— DilzLFC 🍉 (@DilzLFC) June 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/GCknowsball/status/1408074980596781060?s=20
Jota deal example of Premier League tax
As Jota’s move to Anfield showed last summer, shopping in the Premier League is expensive, with the Portugal international costing the Reds £45million.
That said, Michael Edwards did negotiate a favourable payment structure to sign Jota and this is something Liverpool’s rivals have battled to replicate.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 13, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
While Ben White will cost more than Konate, there is no denying that he will improve Arsenal and his involvement in Southgate’s EURO squad at the 11th hour is proof that he is a talented player.
Liverpool will look to make more inspired moves in the transfer market this summer as they aim to sign a new midfielder and a versatile attacker.
Jota avoiding injury and being fit to play more than the 19 Premier League games he was fit for should also help Liverpool’s attacking fortunes.
