Chelsea miss out as Liverpool reach total agreement for Ibrahima Konaté — reports

Despite Chelsea’s supposed interest (ed.note: and probably very tenuous interest) in RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool always looked to be the favorites for his signature, especially after reportedly agreeing personal terms.

And while there were some small doubts over the deal after Leipzig refused an installment-based payment plan, those differences appear to have been resolved now, with various sources reporting that the 22-year-old will be following Julian Nagelsmann and Dayot Upamecano out the exit door at Red Bull Arena — though heading to Anfield, unlike the other two who are joining Bayern Munich.

Liverpool will pay around €40m, with Konaté agreeing a 5-year deal good through 2026. Leipzig are making out very well on this deal, considering they signed the player for free back in 2017 from FC Socheaux. The Bundesliga side have already started looking for replacements, as per Sky Sports.

One less name for the Chelsea rumor mill then, with the club’s center back situation far from certain beyond this season. With both Upamecano and Konaté now gone, perhaps the chances of Marc Guehi or Trevoh Chalobah getting a chance will increase, while the club continue to work towards contract extensions for Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen this summer.