This summer, Kim Min-jae is repeatedly rumoured with a move away from Napoli, with Ibrahima Konate surfacing as a possible replacement. According to a report from Corriere dello Sport, Kim Min-jae is on his way to Bayern Munich, and Napoli is seeking for a suitable replacement. The winners of Serie A have selected Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as a possible replacement. The French international defender joined Liverpool for about €40 million. Konate has established himself as an important player for Jurgen Klopp. There is no question that the Frenchman is one of the club’s strongest defenders. As a result, Liverpool is unlikely to approve his departure.
Liverpool unlikely to sell Konate this summer
Konate has the ability to become a world-class player, and he would be a fantastic addition to Napoli. However, the Frenchman is under contract with Liverpool for the time being. Thus the club is under no obligation to sell him. Furthermore, the defender appears to be content with the Premier League club. As a result, he is unlikely to press for a move to Napoli.
Knee and muscle ailments limited Konate to just 17 Premier League starts last season. However he was an important player for Jurgen Klopp when completely fit, playing the full 90 minutes in 13 of their final 15 Premier League games. However, with Konate still under contract at Anfield until 2026 and establishing himself as one of Klopp’s most trusted defenders, the Reds are unlikely to consider proposals for the ex-RB Leipzig man this summer. Konate has scored three goals and one assist in 53 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions. The Frenchman has also three starts for France in their run to the 2022 World Cup final.
Napoli must find a successor of their star defender Kim Min-jae
Meanwhile, last season, Kim Min-jae was a significant player for Napoli, helping them win the league title. The Serie A champions will have to find a suitable replacement. As a result, they must sign a top-tier defender this summer. The midfielder has also been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United interested in signing him. However, it appears that the South Korean is eager to join the Bundesliga and will end up with the Bavarian giants. Because of his contract’s €45 million release clause, the German champions will be able to sign him for a bargain. Signing a player of his calibre for €45 million should prove to be an act of genius. The 26-year-old is unquestionably one of Europe’s most dependable defenders right now.
It needs to be seen whether Napoli is able to put together a tempting deal to attract Konate in the coming weeks. Liverpool missed out on Champions League qualification last season and will be anxious to return to the top four next season. Selling one of their star defenders this summer will weaken the squad. Hence Jurgen Klopp will be hesitant to allow the Frenchman’s exit. Furthermore, without the pull of Champions League games, Liverpool will struggle to find a replacement for the French defender.
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