Liverpool has agreed to sign the French defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for $49 million on a long-term deal.
The 22-year-old French defender has passed his medical and agreed personal terms, with his transfer subject to a UK work permit and international clearance.
“It’s a very exciting moment for my family and me,” said Ibrahima, whose contract will run from 1 July.
Ibrahim is part of France’s squad for the UEFA Under-21 Championship, which starts on Monday.
The centre-back, who started his career with Sochaux in France, made 21 appearances for RB Leipzig this year as they finished second in the Bundesliga.
“My entire focus is on the Under-21 European Championships right now, but after this season, I know I will be a part of one of the best teams in the world, and that gives me great pleasure,” said Konate.
His appearance would help bolster a backline that suffered from the long-term injury absences of centre-backs Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk during the season.
Midfielders Jordan and Fabinho Henderson were used as temporary central defenders, while Liverpool ended the season with a centre-back pairing of Rhys Williams, 20, and Nathaniel Phillips, 24.
Liverpool acquired a Champions League spot with a win against Crystal Palace on the last day of the season as they finished third in the Barclays Premier League.
The deal for Konate means The Reds will reject the prospect to sign defender Ozan Kabak on a permanent basis.
Liverpool had an option to sign Kabak for $22 million with add-ons as part of the loan deal, bringing him to Anfield in February.
They told Turkey international of their plans before the news of Ibrahima’s deal, and he is speaking to other clubs.
