Official: Liverpool strike a deal for £36m defender

The Reds have already got down to business ahead of the summer transfer window by signing a new defender.

Liverpool have announced an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign Ibrahima Konate on a long-term contract.

After much speculation linking the 22-year-old with a move to Anfield, the Reds have finally triggered his £36 million release clause at Leipzig to sign him ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Jurgen Klopp has been keen on Konate ever since deciding he needed a new center-back. Brighton defender Ben White and Marseille star Duje Caleta-Car were also allegedly on his shortlist.

But the Liverpool manager has got his top target and Konate is ready to begin a new chapter in his career.

“I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool,” the Frenchman told the club’s website.

“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.”