Liverpool can sign Ibrahima Konate this summer if he meets criteria as part of a three-step club policy, according to the Daily Star.
The report suggests that since FSG took over at the club, there has been a standard procedure before transfers are given the green light that will now be put in place before a move for Ibrahima Konate can go through.
The first step is the most obvious: Jurgen Klopp must rate and want the player in question because ultimately he has the final say on player selection.
It’s obvious to see why the German is a fan of Konate, with his height, strength and pace making him one of the most exciting defenders out there.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – DECEMBER 08: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Mason Greenwood of Manchester United and Ibrahima Konate of RasenBallsport Leipzig battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group H stage match between RB Leipzig and Manchester United at Red Bull Arena on December 8, 2020 in Leipzig, Germany. PHOTO BY MARIO HOMMES/DEFODI IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES.
The second step requires FSG’s blessing. At the end of the day, the Americans are the ones funding transfers and if they have reason to believe a deal is too expensive, doesn’t fit the profile of player they want to sign or is unacceptable for another reason, they are entitled to pull the plug.
This was seen in the case of Nabil Fekir, with FSG deciding his knee injury history and problematic family were too risky to sanction a big-money move.
Thirdly, “any transfers must be kept in line. That includes the latest transfer market trends and assesses availability.” Liverpool’s owners value sustainability above all else and believe that paying a new player huge wages will trigger internal negotiations with existing players that would then feel under-appreciated or undervalued.
Ibrahima Konate has blossomed into one of the best young centre-backs in Europe at RB Leipzig. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY DFL/BUNDESLIGA.
Fortunately, Konate likely ticks all boxes. Klopp’s a fan, he’s affordable and he’s far from problematic. If anything, he’s the ideal FSG signing – aged 22 with a relatively low release clause.
Klopp is capable of working wonders with a player like Konate and should Liverpool reach an agreement with RB Leipzig, he’ll be playing at Anfield next season.
EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool reach verbal agreement with Ibrahima Konate
