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Klopp Rules Out Seeing £66m Summer Recruit’s Advanced Arrival, But Shouldn’t He Do That?

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By Sridhar Bhamidi

naby keita

Ever since the signing of Naby Keita was announced, there has been only one question on the minds of Liverpool fans. Why not get Keita in the winter transfer window rather than waiting for him until next summer?

However, it seems like the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is not looking to get the midfielder in the winter window. The manager has categorically stated that there is no hope of bringing him to Anfield next month. (Liverpool Echo)

The 22-year-old Guinea midfielder was signed last summer and a move to Merseyside for the stocky midfielder was pencilled for the end of this season. He is right now with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

With his dribbling skills and the ability to work in tight spaces from central areas, Keita could be just what’s needed at Liverpool. However, Klopp has told ahead of this weekend’s fixture that he is not looking for a deal to bring forward the arrival of the midfielder.

“There is an agreement with the club that he will come in June or July to Liverpool.

“There is nothing else to say about that. We really don’t think about it because of all the things Leipzig have said.

“They said they do not have to sell any player. Why should they do something like that (letting him leave in January)? So no, we don’t think about it.”

Big Money Spent On Getting Keita

Keita has been the centre of attention ever since the deal was announced, especially with a section of critics questioning his desire to play for Leipzig, as his long-term future lies elsewhere.

However, the midfielder has not shown any such deviations and has already scored 5 goals in 19 appearances for the Bundesliga side. What’s interesting is that he has picked up two red cards for Leipzig apart from picking one for his national team Guinea.

This is nothing strange if you ask me because red cards for Keita aren’t new. His style of play is fraught with danger and hence the chances of him picking up a booking are much more than an average midfielder.

We have paid Keita’s release clause of £48million, plus an added premium in order to get the deal over the line early. Recent reports indicate that it could be as high as £66million depending on the Bundesliga side’s league position. It is also indicated that Leipzig have inserted an add-on clause to profit if Liverpool sell Keita anytime in the future.

Though Keita would be a massive arrival this January, it seems like we’ll have to wait until the summer to see the Bundesliga star in action for Liverpool.