Naby Keita has been linked with a £70million move to Anfield this summer and is one of Jurgen Klopp’s prime targets. The Guinean impressed for German outfit RB Leipzig last season, as they finished second in the Bundesliga.
Leipzig’s sporting director Ralf Ragnick had claimed earlier in the summer that Keita was not for sale. Although, Liverpool are believed to have maintained their interest.
Liverpool fans got excited earlier, when Keita liked a post on Instagram of him in a Reds shirt. Is it a sign that he wishes to make the move?
The 22-year old, is one of the most sought-after players in Europe this transfer window. He rose to attention after an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga last season. Red Bull Leipzig, astonishingly, finished second in their very first term in the German top flight.
Although, the plan now is not to cash in on their assets. Leipzig are looking to continue building a side, to challenge Bayern Munich and to compete in the Champions League. With wealthy backers, there is no reason why they should stop now.
They are a club that like to plan ahead. So they would not allow Keita to leave, without a replacement already in place. Liverpool won’t give up though, and are reported to be lining up a massive £70million bid.
Keita has come from humble beginnings. He joined hometown club Horoya AC in Guinea, aged just 9. In 2012, he received his big break. He managed to secure a move to Europe, signing for French side FC Istres. The transfer coming after unsuccessful trials at FC Lorient and Le Mans FC.
He only made 23 appearances for the Ligue2 side, before moving to Red Bull Salzburg, in Austria. There, he started to flourish. In his second season at the club, he was named Austrian Bundesliga player of the year.
Red Bull decided to feed Keita over to their other European club, Red Bull Leipzig, in the summer of 2016. They had just been promoted from the second division and were about to embark on their first season in the Bundesliga.
Their first season went better than they could ever have imagined – challenging Bayern Munich for the title and finishing the campaign placed 2nd. Keita was one of the stars, attracting the interest of a multitude of clubs. Liverpool’s interest though, appears to be the most substantial. And this could be an indication from the player that he too wants a move to Anfield.
What do you think?
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