Official: Liverpool sign £36m Konate from RB Leipzig

LIVERPOOL have strengthened their defence ahead of next season with the signing of Ibrahim Konate.

The Premier League club announced the deal to acquire the Frenchman from RB Leipzig on Friday.

“Liverpool Football Club have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig,” the Reds said in an official statement on Friday.

“The 22-year-old defender has agreed a long-term contract with the Reds from July 1, subject to international clearance and a successful work permit application process, after finalising terms and passing a medical.”

Konate told the Liverpool website: “I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool.

“It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family and I am really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the staff and getting started on this new chapter.

“Right now, my focus is on the U21 European Championships with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling.

“I have worked very hard for many years to get to this point, but I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at RB Leipzig and all the people I worked with there – the coaches, my teammates, the staff and especially the fans.

“Your support helped me grow up during my time there and become not only a better player, but a better man and I will always be grateful for it.”

Konate has spent four seasons at German club Leipzig, making 95 appearances and scoring four goals.

He also made eight appearances in the UEFA Champions League with the club.

Although Liverpool did not disclose the cost of the deal, there are reports that Konate was bought for £36m.

Liverpool have been keen to bolster their defence since suffering a crisis in the centre-back position this season, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all lost to long-term injuries.