RB Salzburg striker Karim Konate has admitted that he’s always had a soft spot for Liverpool.
The Ivorian is potentially the next cab off the rank in Salzburg. Having been sent on-loan to feeder club FC Liefering this campaign, Konate has been enjoying an excellent season.
14 goals in 17 games for any side is a record that shouldn’t be sniffed at. It may be in the Austrian second division, but the 19-year-old is showing great promise. And now, speaking to Actu Foot Afrique via RMC Sport, the Ivory Coast international has revealed his first love in football.
“OL [Olympique Lyon] is my flagship club. I also like Liverpool and Barca,” said the youngster. “But Lyon is still the first of the first. Lyon is my heart, it does not move. My blood is red and blue.”
We’ll take it! Another one to keep an eye out for in Salzburg, Reds.
Who is Karim Konate
As a notoriously good spotter and developer of talent, any young player coming through at Salzburg is worth keeping an eye on.
Of course, they don’t all work out to be as good as Erling Haaland. The likes of Patson Daka, for example, were prolific in Austria but haven’t quite translated that to the Premier League. Karim Adeyimi is another who has struggled a little since leaving Salzburg.
So, it wouldn’t be fair to put too much pressure on Konate. But looking at his numbers so far, you have to say that he’s certainly got a knack of finding the net.
As per Fotmob, young Karim bagged 10 goals in just 12 games for Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas. From there, Salzburg spotted him. Having played four times – and scored once – for the Red Bull club, Konate then joined Liefering at the start of the current season.
14 goals in 17 games is a truly remarkable strike-rate for such a young player. Keep that up and he’ll surely find a spot at his parent club next season. With Benjamin Sesko heading to Leipzig, Salzburg have already found their replacement.
Do well there – and add to his seven caps for Ivory Coast – and the world of European football will be his oyster. By the sounds of it, Lyon would comfortably be his first choice. But should the Reds come knocking, how could young Karim refuse?