Napoli know it won’t be easy to sign £35m Liverpool player, but they want him anyway

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Napoli are targeting Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as they look to replace the Bayern Munich-bound Kim Min-Jae.

Kim was a rock for Napoli last season, claiming the Serie A Defender of the Year award as the Neapolitans won a first tile for 33 years. But after a brilliant season, he’s all set to join Bayern.

As a result, Napoli have some pretty big boots to fill this summer. And according to Corriere dello Sport, they’re setting their sights relatively hight.

Konate isn’t said to be their top target – that’s reportedly Robin Le Normand of Real Sociedad. But Liverpool’s French defender seemingly isn’t too far behind.

However, there’s said to be an acknowledgement that Konate may be out of their reach. Despite being claimed to have ‘played not so much,’ it’s reported that buying from the Reds is not easy and it would take a ‘remarkable’ fee to sign the former RB Leipzig man.

Nevertheless, Konate is said to remain in Napoli’s mind, just in case. Wolves defender Max Kilman and Robin Koch of Leeds United are claimed to round off the four-man wish list.

Konate not going anywhere

This news is sure to amuse anyone of a Liverpool persuasion. We can categorically say that Ibrahima Konate will not be sold this summer. There’s simply no chance.

If the Frenchman were to shock everyone and leave Anfield, it would be for someone with far deeper pockets than Napoli.

Being a Parisian himself, it isn’t hard to see that PSG would one day like to recruit big Ibou. But, thankfully for us, he’s already declared his wish to stay at Liverpool for many years to come.

Besides, the assertion that Konate could be vulnerable as he hasn’t played a lot is a little misleading. The only reason the France international hasn’t played more since his £35m move in 2021 is because of injuries.

Without persistent problems last season, Konate would have first choice alongside Virgil van Dijk for every game possible.

With a new season soon to be upon us, it would be a major shock if that changed anytime soon.

Yes, Liverpool are seemingly looking for a new centre-back. But that wouldn’t be to replace Konate. Instead, it seems that the Reds want a new left-sided defender to deputise and eventually take over from Van Dijk. Ibou’s place is absolutely safe, he isn’t going anywhere.