Bayern Munich have confirmed that Dayot Upamecano will join from RB Leipzig at the end of the season, causing Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United to turn their attention elsewhere as they look for a new centre-back, with the three sides now looking at Ibrahima Konate.
Konate is Upamecano’s teammate at RB Leipzig, and he now has taken the place as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe after Bayern secured the signature of Upamecano.
German publication Bild report that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will be in the race for the 21-year-old in the summer, despite injury limiting his appearances in the last two seasons.
Konate made his professional debut at Sochaux when he was just 17-years-old in 2017, earning himself a move to Leipzig in June that year.
The youngster made regular appearances in his first two seasons in Germany but injury has hampered his progress since, playing just eight Bundesliga games last season and making just seven league appearances so far this campaign.
However, this has not reportedly put off a string of Premier League giants, all of whom are interested in the imposing centre-back.
While the injuries must be a concern for interested parties, Konate is extremely highly rated, with former Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick predicting he would go on to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
‘I’m particularly delighted with our coup in signing Ibrahima Konate,’ said Rangnick. ‘We got him on a free transfer from Sochaux. He’s is so good that he could play for Real Madrid or Barcelona one day.’
MORE : Why Chelsea did not pursue Dayot Upamecano and David Alaba deals
MORE : Bayern Munich confirm signing of Liverpool and Chelsea target Dayot Upamecano
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