Transfer News: RB Leipzig shift attention to Liverpool target to replace Konrad Laimer

Liverpool face competition from RB Leipzig to sign French midfielder Manu Kone

As shared by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, due to Konrad Laimer moving from RB Leipzig to Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign, Die Roten Bullen are viewing Liverpool transfer target Manu Kone as an ideal replacement for the potentially outgoing Austrian midfielder. This is as per a report from the German publication BILD (h/t Liverpool Echo).

Both players play a similar role for their respective sides, and hence, that is why maybe Leipzig look at the Borussia Monchengladbach player as a replacement. The 21-year-old Frenchman has 14 league appearances for Die Fohlen and has a goal and an assist

Showing great versatility, Kone can fit into defensive midfield roles as well and moreover, play attacking midfield too apart from his natural role of central midfield. It is similar to the role Jordan Henderson plays at Liverpool.

As earlier explained, Leipzig’s interest in the player could only be due to Laimer’s probable departure. Apart from that as well, to have a young player with such high levels of skill and room for improvement would not appear to be a bad bet for any club.

Manu to the Reds?

Liverpool though, need a midfielder to urgently solve their ageing midfield issues and tackle the injury aspect as well. The Reds seem to have lost their identity as a pressing club as the players are now past their prime, and naturally, have become a tad bit slow and easy for the opposition to understand and play their game around.

The ones who watch him play, know Kone as an aggressive player who demonstrates his pressing ability and maintains high work rates both offensively and defensively. And due to this, he finds himself in the referee’s book more often than not as the player already has five yellow cards to his name in the league so far.

Liverpool’s midfield is in need of fresh talent as it is ageing and has become less effective. Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho, while still important players, see themselves plagued by inconsistencies in their performances. New additions would bring energy, new ideas and more depth to the team, and help Liverpool to continue competing at the highest level.

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As far as Kone is concerned, he could potentially be a good fit for the Reds. But Liverpool need to wary of Chelsea’s interest in the player as well and take an appropriate call in the best interests of the club.