Liverpool initially considered an approach for Villarreal's Torres (Image: GETTY) Liverpool have completed the signing of Ibrahima Ko...
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| Liverpool initially considered an approach for Villarreal's Torres (Image: GETTY) |
Liverpool have completed the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig after initially considering a move for Villarreal's Pau Torres.
Liverpool snubbed a move for Manchester United target Pau Torres in favour of Ibrahima Konate, with the Reds seeing the RB Leipzig man as the better player with a higher ceiling for growth, according to reports. The 22-year-old was formally announced by the Merseyside club on Friday after his release clause, believed to be in the region of £36million, was triggered.
Konate made a name for himself as one of the Bundesliga's finest young defenders with Leipzig, with his cultured range of passing and impressive aerial ability standing him in good stead to thrive at Anfield.
Liverpool had prioritised the addition of a new central defender after struggling in the absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip this season.
The trio were sorely missed as the Reds saw their Premier League title defence come apart at the seams, allowing Manchester City to pull clear at the summit and claim the spoils.
A number of potential targets were linked with the club throughout the campaign, including Sven Botman of Lille and Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car.
Schalke loanee Ozan Kabak was another option, but Liverpool decided against taking up their option to buy the 21-year-old, who has since left the country after saying his goodbyes.
Liverpool had prioritised the addition of a new central defender after struggling in the absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip this season.
The trio were sorely missed as the Reds saw their Premier League title defence come apart at the seams, allowing Manchester City to pull clear at the summit and claim the spoils.
A number of potential targets were linked with the club throughout the campaign, including Sven Botman of Lille and Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car.
Schalke loanee Ozan Kabak was another option, but Liverpool decided against taking up their option to buy the 21-year-old, who has since left the country after saying his goodbyes.
They eventually settled on Konate, agreeing personal terms before matching his release clause to rubber-stamp the move.
Villarreal's Torres, who is believed to be a priority target for United ahead of next season, was also on Liverpool's radar but was ultimately overlooked.
The Spaniard was considered to be inferior to Konate in terms of both current ability and future potential, according to The Athletic.
Liverpool's decision looks to have given United a free shot at Torres as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks the perfect long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
Villarreal's Torres, who is believed to be a priority target for United ahead of next season, was also on Liverpool's radar but was ultimately overlooked.
The Spaniard was considered to be inferior to Konate in terms of both current ability and future potential, according to The Athletic.
Liverpool's decision looks to have given United a free shot at Torres as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks the perfect long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
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| The Reds eventually decided to move for Konate instead (Image: GETTY) |
Meanwhile, Konate is preparing to link up with France's under-21 squad ahead of their European Championship quarter-final clash against the Netherlands on Monday afternoon.
He revealed his delight after finally completing his much-anticipated move to Liverpool, hailing last season's Premier League champions as one of the most accomplished sides on the planet.
"I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool," the Frenchman told the club website.
"It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family and I am really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the staff and getting started on this new chapter.
"Right now, my focus is on the under-21 European Championship with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling.
"I have worked very hard for many years to get to this point, but I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at RB Leipzig and all the people I worked with there – the coaches, my teammates, the staff and especially the fans.
"Your support helped me grow up during my time there and become not only a better player, but a better man and I will always be grateful for it."
"Right now, my focus is on the under-21 European Championship with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling.
"I have worked very hard for many years to get to this point, but I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at RB Leipzig and all the people I worked with there – the coaches, my teammates, the staff and especially the fans.
"Your support helped me grow up during my time there and become not only a better player, but a better man and I will always be grateful for it."
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