Liverpool will continue with plans to sign Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig despite announcing a pre-tax loss of £46m in their accounts for the financial year.
The signing of a new centre-back has been made a priority for the Reds this summer following the club’s depleted defensive options this season, with recent reports indicating a move for Konate was close as the Premier League champions prepare to trigger the 21-year-old’s release clause.
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Konate’s release clause has been reported at varied figures with the upper end indicating a sum of around £40m, a fee the Mail are reporting that the club are still prepared to meet despite the financial impact of the pandemic.
Liverpool‘s accounts showed a loss of £46m for the financial year ending May 2020, a period of which just three months was affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Overall revenue has dropped by £43m despite an increase in commercial revenue due to new sponsorships and shirt sales, with media and match-day income falling given the 2019/20 season’s extension into the summer and behind-closed-doors finish to the campaign.
The figures indicate the total loss as a result of the pandemic to already be around £120m and still rising.
Liverpool’s ownership are understood to be prepared to invest however, following a disappointing defence of the Premier League title this season.
Jurgen Klopp will seek to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window, whilst further funds will hope to be raised through player sales with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi, Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson amongst the names expected to depart.
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