Rumour Mongering: Ibrahima Konaté Undergoes Partial Liverpool Medical

Back in January, seemingly reliable reports emerged suggesting RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old French international centre half Ibrahima Konaté was going to be Liverpool’s top defensive transfer target in the summer.

Then this week, seemingly reliable reports claimed the Reds were willing to trigger his €40M release clause and a deal was close—which, if Liverpool intend to trigger his release clause, would mean personal terms.

Today, France’s RMC, as relayed by GFFN, say the player has undergone at least a partial Liverpool medical in Paris this week while on international duty, though they note that a deal still isn’t 100% certain.

Konaté is under contract at Leipzig for two more seasons, and earlier this week Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche responded to the rumours by saying he believes Liverpool are “not an option” for him at present.

It’s worth noting, perhaps, that even if a deal is in place and Liverpool were able to get a closer look at Konaté to determine if recent injuries pose a long-term risk, nothing is likely to be announced until the season ends.

If Konaté does sign, it would be a strong signal both that this season’s struggles haven’t impacted Anfield’s desirability as a destination for top talent and that Liverpool believe Konaté’s injury history isn’t an issue.