Ibrahima Konaté Denies Liverpool Contact

Ever since reliable reports in January emerged casting Ibrahima Konaté as Liverpool’s top defensive target for the summer window, it’s been impossible to ignore the transfer chatter surrounding the talented 21-year-old RB Leipzig and France centre half.

When further reports emerged during the last international break claiming talks were at an advanced stage and the player had undergone a partial medical, it appeared a question of when and not if a deal would get done. But all of that talk might be premature.

“There are often rumours in football and many people will immediately believe them,” the young centre half told Bild this week. “My agents and I didn’t get a call from Liverpool. I also still have big goals with RB Leipzig, [including] winning the Bundesliga.”

As far as comments on transfer rumours go, it seems a fairly unequivocal statement on the matter, with the player claiming no talks between himself or his agents and Liverpool and setting out goals with Leipzig that are unlikely to be achieved this season.

Given the seemingly reliable nature of the previous reports of Liverpool interest and contact, a deal for Konaté likely still can’t be ruled out—but for those thinking the centre half’s signing was a done deal, this certainly looks a significant blow.