Red Bull Leipzig wanting a full fee up front for Ibrahima Konate could make things a little more complex as the Reds bid sign him, according to reporter Paul Joyce.
The defender has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks and it seems as though all that needs to really be sorted is the fee and the structure of the deal.
That, though, is where the potential issues lie with Joyce explaining in The Times that Liverpool do not normally like to pay a fee fully up front.
“Liverpool hold a strong interest in Ibrahima Konaté who has a £34m release clause which, currently, must be paid in one installment. For a club which prefers to stagger transfer payments over a number of years this makes matters more complex.”
ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT
Konate is a good player and it does seem quite possible that Liverpool are going to sign him but until the fee is sorted and the ink is dry on the contract there will always be that air of uncertainty.
It’s clear that the Reds are very keen on him heading into this summer, though, and there is plenty of time to try and sort an agreement out so hopefully that is what’ll happen.
The sooner it is done the better, though, so he can quickly integrate himself with the team.
