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According to reports, Napoli are looking to replace Kim Min-jae with Liverpool central defender Ibrahima Konate, who will cost a ‘remarkable’ fee.
Konate has been very impressive for the Reds when fit, which was not very often last season.
The French international could only manage 24 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23 but did play in 13 of his side’s last 15 Premier League games.
Liverpool’s best centre-back partnership is definitely Konate and Van Dijk, so it would be a surprise to see Jurgen Klopp’s side entertain the idea of a sale this summer, even if the former has struggled with injuries.
A report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) does not rule it out, however.
It will obviously be very difficult for Napoli to sign Konate from Liverpool, but the report says the Serie A champions are ‘willing to invest’.
Napoli believe Konate is attainable as he has ‘played not so much’ at Anfield, though the Reds would require a ‘remarkable’ fee to let the 24-year-old depart.
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The Naples outfit have added Konate to their summer shortlist with South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae set to join Bayern Munich.
Manchester United had made Min-jae one of their top summer targets and were reportedly keen to pay his £51million release clause before the Bundesliga champions swooped in and hijacked the deal.
The 26-year-old played a huge part in Napoli’s first league title win since 1990 and should complete a move to Bayern after he is finished military service in his home country.
Fabrizio Romano has said ‘here we go’ for Kim’s move to Germany with Bayern’s Lucas Hernandez set for Paris Saint-Germain.
