RB Leipzig set to conclude blockbuster €21m purchase of Reims centre-back Abdoul Koné | OneFootball

Le Parisien and Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri report that RB Leipzig are close to acquiring Stade Reims centre-back Abdoul Koné on a blockbuster deal. The 20-year-old will move to the Bundesliga on a €21m transfer package with bonuses factored in.

Tavolieri reports that Koné won’t be heading to the Bundesliga immediately. After helping Reims achieve promotion from Ligue 2, the France U21 international will sign on in Saxon from the summer onwards. Koné’s new RB contract will run until 2031.

L’Equipé previously reported that Bayer Leverkusen were also interested in securing Koné’s services, but it appears as if the German Red Bulls have won the race. Given that Koné won’t be transferring until after the season, it may take some time for the deal to be officially confirmed. 

RB Leipzig may still sign another centre-back

Even after the Koné confirmation, it may prove the case that Leipzig take action to shore up their central defensive ranks more immediately. With Castello Lukeba and Lukas Klostermann struggling with injury, Willi Orban and El Chadaille Bitshiabu are currently the only fit centre-backs on the RB squad.

GGFN | Peter Weis