Liverpool's potential new centre-back partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate could be a force to be reckoned with next season.
Jurgen Klopp's side have officially reached an agreement for the transfer of Konate from RB Leipzig after the France U21 international finalised terms and passed a medical - with a fee of around £36 million reported.
After four seasons in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, where he made 95 appearances for Die Roten Bullen, the 22-year-old defender will be looking to forge a partnership with a fully fit Virgil van Dijk in the coming months.
In terms of what Liverpool fans should expect from the right-sided centre-back, Konate is not only confident in possession but he possesses great pace and power.
Advert
Take his battle against Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League, for example.
The French striker is, without doubt, one of the fastest players in world football but Konate manages to match him in a foot race before winning the ball with a slide tackle.
Like his teammate Van Dijk, the former Sochaux is known to bring the ball out of defence and into midfield areas - another key element that could make Jurgen Klopp's side a real contender in Europe next season.
Konate was thrilled having signed for the Reds.
Advert
"I'm really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool," he told the club's official 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.
Advert
"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."
Thoughts on the signing of Konate? Will Jurgen Klopp's side challenge for the Premier League again after a disappointing campaign last season?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Virgil Van Dijk, RB Leipzig, Ibrahima Konaté
