Liverpool have reportedly initiated talks with RB Leipzig playmaker Naby Keita as the Reds eye a potential summer move for the in-form midfielder
According to a Football Whispers exclusive, Liverpool have decided to not only renew but step up their interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita. The playmaker, who has been a long-term Liverpool target, is also being tailed by the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
As per the report, Liverpool had earlier come close to landing the player last summer, where they held extensive talks with the player’s camp. However, the player – aiming for playing time – chose RB Leipzig over Liverpool as the Reds had earmarked the player to play more of a squad role at Anfield.
The Reds have come to rue their decision as Naby has since gone on to take the Bundesliga by storm, with a return of 8 goals and 8 assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances – numbers that presently no central midfielder at Liverpool has been able to match.
If Naby Keita can do the below for LFC, bring it on!
He plays like a faster version of Joe Allen… at 22, he could be excellent for years pic.twitter.com/6vnE3VycFc
— LFC Podcasting Couch (@PodcastingCouch) April 21, 2017
However, the Reds are ready to rectify their mistake and the report states that the club have remained in contact with the player’s representatives throughout. In fact, the talks have intensified over the past few weeks as Jurgen Klopp looks to reinforce his squad with quality options for the next campaign.
There have been persisting rumours pointing to impending exits for Lucas Leiva and even Emre Can, whose contract talks have hit a snag. Even if the two decide to stay, Naby Keita would surely serve to be an upgrade over the current options available to Jurgen Klopp – all barring Adam Lallana.
Klopp believes Naby Keita is an upgrade on what he already possesses and Liverpool are ready to pay big. [Paul Joyce]
???????????— Indigo ? (@IndigoLFC) April 21, 2017
The player is one of those modern-day midfielders and looks like a perfect fit to don the midfield role at Anfield. However, Liverpool may have to secure Champions League football if they are to have any chance of succeeding in their pursuit of Naby Keita.
Add to that the potential competition in the form of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the Reds are likely to have a battle at their hand in their attempt to nab Keita from RB Leipzig.
Liverpool are prepared to “spend big” to sign Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita; who has the same agent as Sadio Mané. pic.twitter.com/rthFsONIu4
— Mootaz (@Mootaz_LFC) April 21, 2017
Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer of Naby Keita, who has the same agent as Sadio Mane. And even though Liverpool might not ultimately land the 22-year-old, the Reds are surely set to make inroads and take a shot at signing the Guinean international.
