RB Leipzig Set to Sign Abdoul Koné from Stade Reims for €21M

Le Parisien and Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri have reported that RB Leipzig is nearing an agreement to acquire Abdoul Koné, a centre-back from Stade Reims, in a significant deal valued at €21 million, inclusive of bonuses.

According to Tavolieri, Koné will not join the Bundesliga immediately. The 20-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Reims’ promotion from Ligue 2, will officially move to Leipzig in the summer. His new contract with RB Leipzig will extend until 2031.

Additionally, L’Équipe previously indicated that Bayer Leverkusen was also keen on securing Koné’s services. However, it appears that RB Leipzig has emerged as the frontrunner for the player’s signature. As Koné’s transfer is set for post-season, it may take some time before the deal is officially confirmed.

Moreover, even with Koné’s potential signing, Leipzig may look to strengthen their central defense sooner due to ongoing injury issues. Currently, only Willi Orban and El Chadaille Bitshiabu are fit among the centre-backs, as Castello Lukeba and Lukas Klostermann are sidelined with injuries.