Bundesliga’s latest sensation Naby Keita has reportedly agreed to a deal with Liverpool that will see him move to Anfield next summer. The Guinea international had a phenomenal season with Red Bull Leipzig the last term helping them finish second in the Bundesliga. Now with the club in their maiden Champions League campaign, Keita wasn’t allowed to leave despite the player wanting out.
However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is unwilling to risk this deal into the next summer. Reportedly, the club has met his £48 million release clause that activates at the end of this season.
Paul Joyce, a Times journalist tweeted, “Liverpool agree club record deal with RB Leipzig for Naby Keita which will see him sign NEXT SUMMER… “Keita having medical today. Officially joins on July 1, 2018… Lvpl paid premium now on top of next summer’s £48million release clause.”
The Reds have been desperate to add more firepower to their midfield this summer with Emre Can’s future uncertain at the club. And in the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and James Milner apart from the German international, Jurgen Klopp has an inconsistent bunch of midfielders at his disposal.
With the ultra-attacking approach that Klopp generally likes, a player like Naby Keita could come in extremely handy. Only 22-years-old, he was magnificent for Red Bull Leipzig last season scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in 31 appearances.
Klopp seems so extremely confident that Keita will be the one to solve his problems that he has been after him all summer. The Bundesliga club remained adamant though and the last bid that they rejected was of £66 million. However, Keita’s talent remains undeniable by all means and his terrific work rate could be of great help for Liverpool.
He has been Leipzig’s powerhouse with tireless chasings and intelligent reading of the game. Although his defensive frailties remain a concern, he is young and will only improve with every game. What will Keita actually excel in is winning the ball and creating chances time and again, which provides a huge relief for Liverpool’s nervy defence that has been subject to criticism for their inconsistency.
Liverpool have started their season quite brilliantly both in the domestic campaign as well in Europe. They have won two of their opening three games and overcame a tricky TSG Hoffenheim challenge to get into the Champions League group stages.
While things go all hay for the club at the moment, they will be wary of the fate of the record transfers the Reds have had in the past. Keita is only a one season wonder so far and Klopp will hope he doesn’t turn out to be similar to Andy Carroll at the club.
