Liverpool would have to break their transfer record in order to land Bundesliga midfield star Naby Keita. The Guinea star was sensational for RB Leipzig this season that saw him attract a lot of interest from top clubs across Europe. However, Keita is still a part of Leipzig and it looks like the German club are keen to hold on to their players. According to Liverpool Echo, the Reds might have to stump up around £50million, a sum more than what we spent on Andy Carroll when he arrived from Newcastle back in 2011.
Leipzig were the surprise package in the Bundesliga in the 2016/17 season which saw them finish 2nd in the table below Bayern Munich. They will be a part of the Champions League next season and hence the club seem to be reluctant in selling their players.
Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff said (Liverpool Echo)
“We have decided that we will not sell any player from our starting line-up. Ralf Rangnick (sporting director) told this to our team at the end of the season. We will keep our team together and keep on developing.”
Liverpool were exposed in the defensive areas in the recently concluded season and it is only logical that the club have been linked with Keita. The defensive problem not only lies with the defenders but also with the midfielders for not providing enough cover for the defence. This often saw Liverpool get opened up at the back.
This weakness can be considered one of the major reasons for Liverpool’s failure to win the league title, despite being in contention for almost half the season.
The Kop Times Verdict
The club’s current transfer record remains at £35m, which we spent on signing Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in 2011. It did not turn out to be entirely successful as Carroll was outperformed by a certain Luis Suarez.
In the current market scenario, spending £35m is no big deal at all and if it guarantees a quality player, then clubs must blindly spend such money. Keita scored 8 goals and provided 8 assists in 32 games and was an integral part of Leipzig’s successful season. He is certainly a talented player and would be a good signing if he adapts to the rigours of the English top flight.
Do you think Keita is worthy enough to become our most expensive signing?
