Liverpool are eyeing a return to the Premier League title race next season after their 20/21 title defence was torn apart by a string of serious injuries to key players – most notably in defence.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez formed a menacing partnership at the heart of Liverpool’s defence and were tipped to once again guide the Reds to silverware before they were struck down.
The Dutchman ruptured his ACL while his younger English partner tore his patellar tendon and the two players have been out for the majority of the season as a result.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 25: Joe Gomez of Liverpool during the friendly match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liverpool at Red Bull Arena on August 25, 2020 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Michael Molzar/SEPA.Media /Getty Images)
To add insult to injury, Joel Matip suffered an ankle injury in January which ruled him out for the rest of the season and every player Jurgen Klopp has tried at centre-back since has suffered at least one injury.
All in all, Liverpool have had 19 centre-back pairings in the Premier League this season.
As we have reported for the last few months, Ibrahima Konate is the first choice option for Liverpool this summer.
He’s the complete package – height, strength, aerial prowess, aggression, composure and he’s still only 21.
Sport Witness, via SportBILD, now claim that RB Leipzig are expecting a €46million windfall should he leave for Liverpool this summer.
Leipzig´s French defender Ibrahima Konate (Up C) jumps for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on November 11, 2018. (Photo by ROBERT MICHAEL / AFP)
The German publication claims that Leipzig are ‘rubbing their hands’ at the thought of selling Konate.
They signed him for free and according to the report, his agent took a small cut so the Bundesliga side will receive a huge return on their investment into the French defender.
Anfield Central understands that Konate will arrive at Liverpool and will go straight into the starting XI as Joe Gomez slowly ramps up his recovery.
The club is concerned about the state of his knee and the injuries he’s had since joining the club from Charlton Athletic for a reported £3.5million fee.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Joe Gomez of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on September 12, 2020 in Liverpool, England. PHOTO BY ANDREW POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
Gomez is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and while his age means he is often making mistakes, he’s only going to learn and grow – especially alongside a player like van Dijk.
The same can be said about Konate, who will be thrilled about the prospect of playing next to the Dutchman.
