Liverpool have confirmed Ibrahima Konate as their first summer signing.
The centre-back finalised his move to Merseyside on Friday afternoon after the Reds exercised the £35 million release in his contract with RB Leipzig.
Konate emerged as a target for Jurgen Klopp’s side after they suffered an unprecedented injury crisis in defence midway through the previous season.
Ozan Kabak was drafted in on loan from Schalke as a reinforcement but the Reds have chosen not to take up the option of making his deal permanent.
Ironically the Turkey international is now tipped to join Leipzig, who are losing both Konate and Bayern Munich-bound Dayot Upamecano this summer.
Anfield chiefs were keen to tie up the France under-21 international before linking up with his country for next week’s European U21 Championship.
“I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool,” said Konate.
“It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family and I am really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the staff and getting started on this new chapter.
“Right now, my focus is on the under-21 European championships with France.
“But after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling.
“I have worked very hard for many years to get to this point.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at RB Leipzig and all the people I worked with there – the coaches, my teammates, the staff and especially the fans.”