29 Mar 2021 13:00:52
So, according to the Athletic we are finalising a deal for Konate. I seem to remember Ed001 saying he was very good, but i haven’t seen him play as he was injured during our tie with Leipzig.

Seems like an excellent centre back by all accounts, 6’4 too so he’ll be adding some desperately needed height.

{Ed077's Note - He has missed most of the last season and this due to injuries.}

29 Mar 2021 13:17:17
I thought that was the case Ed, seems strange to replace one injury prone centre back with another. Can only assume they have done their research and feel confident that the injuries are something that they can control or are not worried about.

{Ed077's Note - it all depends on how he has recovered from his injuries and whether or not they have long term implications. Its for the medical department to decide I think.}

29 Mar 2021 13:35:00
He’s built like a tank isn’t he. But also quite mobile.
Question for ed001 please, are attackers sometimes scared to play against defenders like Konate and VVD? Not scared in the sense that they are good at what they do, but scared they are going to get turned to mince if they get too close, and does it effect their games? Or is that fear trained out of them early on?
I was just thinking if I was a nimble 5 ft 6 winger the very last thing I would want to see between myself and getting a shot off on goal is 2 man mountains hurtling towards me.

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure Konate is that big, he certainly wasn't when I watched him for a profile, he was quite slim back then. I do know most forwards hate playing against van Dijk, as he dominates them physically and technically.}

29 Mar 2021 14:30:20
Ed001 would it be possible to get the link to the profile please mate. Just read now that apparently he can match Mbappe for pace.

{Ed001's Note - hmmm I can't find it, I did both him and Mukiele at the same time but only the Mukiele one is still there. I have added him to the to do list to do a fresh one on him. Sorry no idea where it went.}

29 Mar 2021 15:24:25
I’ve only done my usual YouTube scouting Ed, he seems like he’s put on a little beef.

{Ed077's Note - I do believe he has.}

29 Mar 2021 14:53:47
Ed0001 no worries mate cheers for that. Just off the top of your head any idea if it’s true about him being a quick as Mbappe.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know but he certainly is incredibly quick, so it could be true.}

29 Mar 2021 15:06:21
Ed001 he certainly isn't that skinny anymore. Think he's rather physical now.

Arguably, injuries aside, he's almost the perfect player for our defence. Aerially dominant, strong and also very fast for a CB. His recovery speed is one of the fastest recorded in Europe's top 5 leagues.

Decent pass on him also and often breaks into the midfield on runs.

Ability to cover fullback positions is also fantastic. Personally I'm very excited if the move goes through.

I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks. Ed001 would you be open to the move?

{Ed001's Note - I have been saying since I did watch him for the profile that I would love to sign him. He is excellent. One of the best I have seen to be honest. Every time anyone links us with Upamecano I have said it is Konate I would take from them. I just don't say it a lot as the players I want us to sign rarely do!}

29 Mar 2021 15:35:02
Hi Ed001

What impresses you most about Konate?

{Ed001's Note - he has that calmness about him that VVD has, that aura. It would be like having a rebirth of Hansen and Lawrenson at the back if he was alongside VVD.}

29 Mar 2021 17:42:42
Whisper it Ed001 cause it just might happen mate.

{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed Bazza.}

29 Mar 2021 18:21:07
Ed01, I remember once both of us we’re talking about Konate and Upamecano and at the time, I mentioned that Upamecano looked the real deal even tho, I rated Konate as well. But then, you said that it was actually Konate that was the better of the two.

Well, safe to say that after the complete sham show that Upamecano has been this season and with me watching Konate a bit more, you were right. In your opinion, are there any legs to this transfer story? Cheers, man.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know, I am suspicious because it comes from Ornstein, who is an Arsenal man, so not sure why he would know anything about dealings between RBL and Liverpool. Also the athletic has turned into clickbait with most of the dross they are pumping out these days, in between the decent long form stuff, and it is them claiming it. So again I am suspicious. It would make sense, if I understand the way the analysis team work correctly, he would come out somewhere near, if not right at the top of any stats model of a signing. However, his injury history, especially considering why we need another centre-back, would again make the story doubtful.

Having said all that, it is only opinion and not actually any knowledge of whether or not we are going for him that I am basing that off. I haven't looked up from working on articles for a while to even look into anything over the last few months to know for sure.}

29 Mar 2021 18:48:53
Fabrizio and the German media seem to be also running with it. James Pearce obviously also tagging along.

I've got my fingers crossed, an agreement before the summer would be ideal.