Liverpool ‘are dealt a blow in chase for RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate as Germans demand his £34m release clause is paid in FULL rather than instalments’… with Jurgen Klopp revealing decision on Ozan Kabak’s future has not been taken
- Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ibrahima Konate
- The Reds hold a concrete interest in the 21-year-old RB Leipzig defender
- The youngster has a release clause of £34m which Leipzig want paid in full
- However, Liverpool would prefer the deal to be structured in instalments
- The development comes amid uncertainty over Ozan Kabak’s Anfield future
Liverpool’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has reportedly hit a stumbling block amid a blow to their chase of RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate, while the Reds are yet to make a decision on loan star Ozan Kabak.
The Reds’ shortcomings in defence have been exposed this season following the injuries of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, with Jurgen Klopp’s side lacking the necessary strength in depth to maintain performances in the duo’s absence.
As a result, Klopp is in the market for central defenders this summer, and despite reports that a deal for Leipzig’s Konate is all-but wrapped up, the Reds have been dealt a blow to their pursuit of the 21-year-old.
Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a defensive target this summer window
According to the Times, the Bundesliga side have taken issue with Liverpool’s proposed payment structure for the Frenchman, who has a release clause of £34m.
The Reds hold a concrete interest in the young defender, but Leipzig are demanding that the release clause is paid in one full sum, as opposed to the instalments that Liverpool would prefer.
The Anfield side have previously opted for an instalment structure for deals, having paid Wolves just £4m of the £45m agreed for Diogo Jota last summer. They are due to pay the West Midlands club an additional £12m this coming window in the next stage of payment.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for £34m Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate (left)
However, the Germans want the fee paid fully, as opposed to instalments that Liverpool prefer
Liverpool’s Konate setback comes amid reports that Klopp is yet to make a decision on the future of Kabak.
The young Turkish international was roped in from Schalke on deadline day in January in a loan switch and has settled well following a shaky opening handful of games for his new club.
However, there is no indication that Liverpool will make Kabak’s stay permanent, with the 21-year-old valued at £18m by the German club.
‘Ozan was absolutely incredible, he did a great job. Not to forget he is a young, young boy with incredible experience already,’ Klopp told the Liverpool Echo.
Meanwhile, the Reds are yet to make a final decision on the future of loan star Ozan Kabak
The 21-year-old has settled after a shaky start but it is not known if the Reds will pay £18m
‘He has been with different clubs, moved early from Turkey to Germany and played at two big clubs in Germany in difficult situations which were obviously not his fault, we could all see that when he arrived here.
‘Yes, he took a little bit of time to adapt but he did super things for us.
‘I don’t know how many games out but against Leipzig [in the Champions League] he was incredible, we knew how good Leipzig could be.
‘About the future, we will talk about it after that, and decide about it after the last match. There is obviously enough time for that, nothing else really to say about that.’