Napoli have their eyes on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who wants to replace Kim Min-Jae who is moving to Bayern Munich.
Kim was a star for Napoli last season, winning the Serie A Defender of the Year award as Napoli won a game for the first time in 33 years. But after a brilliant season, he is ready to join Bayern.
As a result, Napoli have some very big shoes to fill this summer. And according to Corriere dello Sport, they have set themselves relatively high targets.
Konaté isn’t said to be their main target – it’s said to be Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand. But the French defender of Liverpool does not seem too far behind.
However, there is said to be an admission that Konaté might be out of their reach. Despite claiming he hasn’t ‘played that much’, it is reported that buying from the Reds is not easy and it would take a ‘remarkable’ transfer fee to sign the former RB Leipzig player.
Nevertheless, Konate should stay in Napoli’s memory just in case. Wolves defender Max Kilman and Leeds United’s Robin Koch would complete the four-man wish list.
Konate is going nowhere
This news is sure to amuse anyone convinced of Liverpool. We can categorically state that Ibrahima Konate will not be sold this summer. There is no chance.
If the Frenchman were to shock everyone and leave Anfield, it would be for someone with far deeper pockets than Napoli.
Being a Parisian himself, it’s not hard to see PSG looking to one day recruit the great Ibou. But fortunately for us, he has already indicated that he wants to stay at Liverpool for many years to come.
Also, the claim that Konate might be vulnerable because he hasn’t played much is a bit misleading. The only reason the French international hasn’t played since his £35m transfer in 2021 is because of injuries.
Without last season’s ongoing problems, Konate would have been first choice for every possible match alongside Virgil van Dijk. With a new season on the way, it would be a big shock if things change soon.
Yes, Liverpool appear to be looking for a new centre-back. But it wouldn’t be to replace Konate. Instead, it appears the Reds want a new left-back to replace and eventually take over from Van Dijk. Ibou’s house is absolutely safe, he won’t go anywhere.
