“Announce Mbappe” – Several fans on cloud nine as Liverpool announce first summer signing

Transfer News: Liverpool trigger Ibrahima Konate release clause and complete the deal

Liverpool have announced the signing of RB Leipzig defender, Ibrahima Konate. Earlier in the day, a report by The Daily Mail mentioned that Liverpool triggered the release clause on Friday morning, and have agreed on personal terms with the defender.

The release clause is said to be £36million. The Reds have long searched for a centre-back ever since the injury crisis of last season began.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip all saw themselves sidelined for extensive durations. Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak were signed in the January transfer window but even they were not safe from fitness issues.

Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams filled in at the back for the Reds but it is evident the club wants more experienced centre-backs within their squad. And this is why the Konate deal would come as a huge relief to Jurgen Klopp.

Konate deal done

The deal is a cracking one for Liverpool for a number of reasons. Firstly, that amount in today’s market is not the largest fee one would have to pay to sign a quality starting centre-back. Secondly, Konate’s experience with the Leipzig first-team and his exploits in Europe make him a contender for the starting spots.

And at just 22, he can be a long-term replacement for any of the outgoing defenders in the future – dare we say, Virgil van Dijk. The only worry for the Reds would be his injury record.

He saw time out with two different injuries over the course of the season, making just 14 Bundesliga appearances for the club. (h/t Transfermarkt)

More Liverpool News:

• Transfer News: Liverpool interested in Leicester City man Youri Tielemans as Gini Wijnaldum replacement
• Transfer News: Leeds United’s Raphinha addresses transfer rumours linking him with Liverpool move
• Alberto Moreno takes digs at Manchester United in video after Europa League win, sends message to Liverpool fans

But fans did not care for that, with the signing of Konate sending the fanbase into a frenzy on Twitter. Here are some of the best reactions: