Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have Red Bull Salzburg’s Karim Konaté on their radar and the Premier League duo join Borussia Dortmund in the transfer pursuit.
The striker’s development at the Austrian club have seen Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and others take notice.
Red Bull Salzburg signed the Ivory Coast international from ASEC Mimosas in 2022. They initially sent him on loan to FC Liefering, and the 22-year-old has been at his parent club since 2023.
Konaté has scored 47 goals and contributed 13 assists from 99 matches, of which six goals and an assist are from this season. He has managed to grab the attention of a few clubs, including the two English teams.
Sunderland and Nottingham Forest suitors
Three years ago, the attacker revealed about Lyon, Liverpool and Barcelona as his dream clubs.
At that time, he said: “Lyon is my flagship club. I also like Liverpool and Barca, but Lyon remains the first of the first. Lyon is the heart; it does not move. I chose Salzburg. It was the best choice given their past with African players, and in order to develop myself.”
None of these clubs are now looking at him and Bild reports interest is from Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, while Borussia Dortmund could be an option.
Taking his form this season into account, it’s not surprising the German club are looking at him closely. Régis Le Bris’ side and the Reds are also showing interest.
Karim Konaté has a contract until 2028 and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is €12m. Red Bull Salzburg may demand a fee slightly higher than that to avoid letting him enter the final year of contract.
Sunderland, Nottingham Forest or another club can take advantage of the 22-year-old’s contract situation and sign him for a bargain price.
PL duo have edge for January
BVB have Serhou Guirassy and Fábio Silva as their two main strikers this season. The duo wanted to leave in the summer but didn’t receive convincing offers.
Their decision to stay has worked out in their favour as Guirassy and Silva have scored four goals each. The duo are likely to continue until the end of the season.
Therefore, the Bundesliga side making advances for Karim Konaté in January remains doubtful. The situation could be different next summer, especially if Guirassy or Silva were to leave.
This gives the Black Cats and Oliver Glasner’s side an edge over Borussia Dortmund to sign him in the winter market. However, it’s unclear whether Sunderland or Nottingham Forest plan to move forward with this operation either in January or next summer.
Without a renewal, Red Bull Salzburg may actively start to sell the Ivorian from the next window.
