RB Leipzig poised to beat Leverkusen to signing of 20-year-old defender

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·26 January 2026

RB Leipzig poised to beat Leverkusen to signing of 20-year-old defender

RB Leipzig are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign 20-year-old defender Abdoul Koné from Stade Reims, according to Le Parisien and Belgian transfer market insider Sacha Tavolieri.

The Bundesliga outfit are understood to be prepared to pay just over €20 million for the defender, including bonuses.

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If all goes according to plan, Koné will complete the move this winter before being loaned back to Reims until the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen have also pursued the 20-year-old, but appear to have been beaten to his signature, with Leipzig willing to offer a significantly higher fee to secure the transfer.

Sky Germany is also reporting on the potential move, but notes that a full agreement has not yet been reached.