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Liverpool fans were quick to voice concerns over Ibrahima Konate following news that the Reds are set to secure the services of the RB Leipzig star.
Konate, 21, is considered one of Europe’s most promising defenders and is said to provide Jurgen Klopp with much needed reinforcement in defense.
There is no doubt about the Frenchman’s precocious talent and Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer of the player.
The Liverpool boss was desperate to bring him to Anfield in January after his three top center-backs – Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip – suffered late-season injuries.
The Reds have been barred from a mid-season move but are close to meeting Konate’s £ 34million release clause to secure the deal on the line this summer.
(Image: Getty Images)
On the surface this will provide Liverpool with the extra defensive body they need – but some fans are not sure Konate is the reliable mainstay their team need.
As mentioned, the Sochaux academy graduate has huge potential, but a glance at his injury history gives a grim reading.
Konate has only managed 15 appearances in all competitions this season due to an ankle injury and torn muscle fiber.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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He was also ruled out for the majority of the 2019/20 season for muscle injuries that limited him to a total of 11 appearances.
Statistics experts transfermarkt calculate Konate has missed 56 games in the past three seasons due to injuries.
As such, the news of his likely transfer has left some Reds fans with mixed emotions as they want Liverpool to avoid signing another injury-prone center-back.
Are you concerned about Ibrahima Konate’s injury history? Have your say in the comments.
“If you look past the injury record it could be a really good signing. However, it’s hard to do,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
Another added: “A great defender, but he has a bad injury record and coming to Anfield – where we already have a terrible season with injuries – is a bit of a risk.”
And a third fan wrote: “He’s got so much ability, but I feel like his injury story is very, very concerning.”
Liverpool fans are well aware of Gomez and Matip’s previous injury issues and are keen to see Van Dijk have a regular partner at center-back, once the Dutchman completes his own recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. .
In the absence of their senior options, Liverpool signed Ben Davies and loaned Ozan Kabak towards the end of the January window.
While Davies is yet to make his debut, Kabak has shown signs of promise in recent matches and the Reds may choose to activate a clause to sign him permanently from Schalke for £ 18million this summer.
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