Report: Liverpool FC decides against buying Kabak - Konaté an alternative?

FC Schalke's Ozan Kabak and RB Leipzig's Ibrahima Konaté are among the most valuable center backs in the Bundesliga - this could change in the coming season. Kabak is currently on loan to Liverpool FC, with an option to buy, and Konaté is considered a hot candidate for a move to Jürgen Klopp's club.

According to the Liverpool Echo, however, the Reds will only add one expensive player to their defense. The Daily Mail, among others, reports that Liverpool FC has decided against signing Kabak, who would cost a base amount of €21 million. Money that Schalke need to rebuild their side in 2.Bundesliga. 

The Athletic reports, Konaté has an exit clause that is said to be €40 million. "I have a contract until 2023," Konaté said to Bild when asked about a potential transfer to Liverpool. "And contracts are there to be fulfilled." The fact that Konaté had deleted the words "RB Leipzig player" from his Instagram profile on Saturday caused a stir among Liverpool fans.

On the pitch, Konaté has only been able to convince to a limited extent this season due to injury, making a total of 20 appearances for RB. The market value of the French U21 international dropped from €45 million to €35 million during that time. Kabak, who is currently out injured, disappointed in the S04 jersey in the first half of the season, and also had a difficult start with the Reds after his winter transfer before settling alongside Fabinho and Nathaniel Phillips and going undefeated 5 times in the Premier League.