Over the past few weeks, reports across Europe have explained Liverpool are close to reaching an agreement to sign RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konaté.
On April 16th, the defender made it clear to the German media that the Reds have not contacted him or his agent for a potential summer transfer.
Despite the 21-year-old’s comments, the Merseyside club continue to be linked with the centre-back.
Bild on Tuesday have published an interview with the Bundesliga side’s chief, Oliver Mintzlaff, discussing how the club will handle the departures of several of their key people, both on and off the pitch.
Leipzig have confirmed sporting director Markus Krösche, manager Julian Nagelsmann, and defender Dayot Upamecano will leave the club at the end of the season. The latter two will be moving to Bayern Munich in the summer.
Konaté gets a mention and it’s claimed the French ‘super talent’ could also make a switch, to Liverpool, mainly because of his €42m release clause.
Confirmations of several exits and the possibility of Konaté going on the same list doesn’t worry Mintzlaff.
When asked if Leipzig are falling apart, the Leipzig chief said: “No, not at all. In the past we have had changes on the coach, director and player side time and again.
“And we have come back stronger every year and have been able to develop further. And I am also sure that we will take the next step again. We remain ambitious and do not act under pressure here, but self-determined.”
