Ralf Rangnick calls Ibrahima Konaté one of the best signings of RB Leipzig’s recent history: “I instantly fell in love with his game.” | OneFootball

Former Red Bull Director of Football Ralf Rangnick heaped praises on Liverpool centre-back and France international Ibrahima Konaté (25). Speaking to Canal+, the Austria manager has called the former RB Leipzig defender one of the best signings in the club’s recent history. Konaté joined the Bundesliga outfit from Ligue 2 side Sochaux in 2017 as a free agent, signing his first professional contract. “I remember very well the day our scouting department in Leipzig showed clips from your Sochaux days. I instantly fell in love with your game“, Rangnick said in a video addressed to his former player.

Rangnick recalls how he was in awe of Konaté after meeting him in Paris with his brothers and sisters. “I saw straight away you were an amazing person and player with a top-class upbringing. All of the latter proved true. You are without doubt the best signing, or one of the best signings, we did at Leipzig in the last 12 years.“

After seeing Rangnick’s video message, Konaté said he was deeply moved by such a tribute. “He’s an extremely important person to me.” After four seasons in Leipzig, the Frenchman signed in 2021 with Liverpool over a €40m move.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval