Emre Can seemed like one of the first names on the team sheet for Jurgen Klopp. However, a spate of injuries and poor form have started raising questions about the future of the midfielder at Anfield. Recent rumours linking Liverpool with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita are an indication that the club would want to make a signing in the midfield position during the summer. RB Leipzig have been one of the surprise names in the German Bundesliga this season. After being promoted to the top division only this season, they have emerged as title challengers along with Bayern Munich.
There have been several players at the heart of the transformation. Keita is understood to be one of them, with RB Leipzig rating the player extremely high. The all-action midfielder has even been likened to Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, whose incredible work rate and tackling abilities have been crucial factors behind the blues rediscovering their title winning form.
Keita has been at RB Leipzig only since the summer after moving from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer. He cost the club around €15 million, but RB Leipzig are expected to make more than double in terms of profits with the German club expecting around €35 million for the player.
Doubts about the long-term future of Can emerged in recent weeks when his agent appeared to question the ambition of Jurgen Klopp. Contract talks between Liverpool and Emre Can have abruptly stopped in recent weeks. Juventus have emerged as one of the potential destinations for the German, who has had spectacular performances since his € 12 million move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014.
Despite being only 23, he is already a Champions League winner after having lifted the title in the 2012-13 season with Bayern Munich. He has already been a journeyman after playing for the likes of Bayern Munich, Leverkusen, and now, Liverpool. It would not be surprising if Can elects to pack his bags once again.
Keita has been a crucial presence in the RB Leipzig team this season. He has made 21 appearances in the Bundesliga while scoring four and creating eight goals in these matches. More than the goals or assists, Liverpool will be more interested in the defensive abilities of the 22-year-old. Keita has averaged 2.5 tackles per game compared to Can, who averages 2.1 tackles in each Premier League game.
Liverpool, though, are not the only club interested in signing the midfielder. A number of top clubs like Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Paris St Germain, and Real Madrid are also looking at the player.
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