KONATE MISSION New £36m defender sets out his goal at Liverpool
IBRAHIMA KONATE insists he is ready for the challenge of forcing his way into Liverpool’s starting XI.
The new Kop defender knows the pressure is on him to make a big impression on Merseyside.
But the £36m signing from RB Leipzig is ready to battle with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to be Virgil van Dijk’s defensive partner at Anfield.
Konate, 22, consulted with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp before he signed so knows what his role is this season.
He said: “We spoke before my signature, but this will stay between us.
“Yes, I know I am very young but this is not important – I have to improve on the pitch and to work. If I am good, for the rest it is not important.
“I am very happy because I work with great players and I know I will be better with time.”
Konate (right) may need time to adapt to the rough and tumble of the Premier League after shining in the Bundesliga.
But he is ready for the battle as he prepares for the new season out in Austria with the rest of his teammates. He said: “Yes, I am big, I am strong and I am not scared with the ball. I can score more with my foot than my head, it is a little bit strange.
“I have watched some Premier League games and everybody knows there is so much intensity, strong players. I love the challenge.”
Liverpool are also planning a clear-out of squad players to raise cash for a midfielder and attacker.
Harry Wilson, 24, is one of the main names on their list and the Reds want £10m for the Wales winger, who has two years left on his contract after spending the last three-and-a-half seasons out on loan.
Marko Grujic, valued at £12m, has spent the same amount of time on loan. Porto, where he was last season, are keen while there is also interest from Italian club Sassuolo and in Germany. Xherdan Shaqiri wants more game time after starring for Switzerland at Euro 2020 and Lazio are keen on him. Liverpool would also like to offload Wilson’s Wales teammate Neco Williams, Loris Karius, Sheyi Ojo, Ben Woodburn and Taiwo Awoniyi.