Transfer business is sometimes very strategic as clubs make groundwork for next year during this transfer window. I can safely say that the pursuit of Naby Keita falls under this category. But, as per latest reports from CalcioMercato, Inter Milan are now looking to enter the fray in luring the player away from German Bundesliga.
The 22-year-old Guinea international midfielder currently at RB Leipzig has been the cynosure of all attention from Anfield. There were reports of our bid of £66million being rejected.
No wonder Leipzig were so firm. The explosive box-to-box midfielder was the cornerstone of their successful debut last year in Bundesliga. Finishing second to Bayern Munich, they qualified for this season’s Champions League and believe that Keita is too vital a player to let go.
Jurgen Klopp did everything he could to charm the player and even Keita was willing to join the Reds. But, Leipzig were firm in rejecting any overtures and Klopp had to accept defeat in the pursuit. He even joked that the club will launch a “€300million bid” to get the player.
Liverpool believe that signing Keita next summer should be less complicated as the player himself is ready to leave the club. However, it won’t be straightforward for the Reds as the Serie A giants are now preparing to test the waters.
No Immediate Need This Season
There is no immediate need for Keita this year at Anfield as Georgino Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson together with Emre Can provide necessary cover in the deep midfield position. If you ask me, the immediate need would be to tie Can to a longer contract!
Will Keita Be A Red Next Season?
The good news first – next year, a £48million release clause will be activated in Keita’s contract which should make things easier. But Inter, spurred by the finances of the Chinese group Suning, are looking to bring their glory days back and believe that Keita will be key for them.
One year is too long a time and so many things can happen – including Keita signing an extension with Leipzig. As things stand now, it looks like Klopp will have a tough battle even next year, to get this prized asset.
