However, the Guinean will not be gracing English pitches this season!
Naby Keita (Photo: AFP)
Liverpool have agreed terms with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Naby Keita, the Premier League giants confirmed on Tuesday.
“Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the future transfer of Naby Keita,” a club statement read.
While Liverpool have not confirmed the fee, Keita’s acquisition is said to have cost them the minimum of his release clause (£48 million), plus an undisclosed amount.
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#LFC have agreed a deal with RB Leipzig for the future transfer of Naby Keita: https://t.co/FGn44gHUx0 pic.twitter.com/7ihBUi2M3v
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2017
The 22-year-old will now become the most expensive Reds player ever, shattering Mohamed Salah’s record (£36 million), set barely two months ago.
Leipzig bought the 5’8 midfielder from sister club Red Bull Salzburg in 2016 for a fee of £12 million and the Guinean impressed in the newly-promoted side’s sensational Bundesliga campaign in which they finished second to Bayern Munich.
“I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will allow me to join Liverpool Football Club next summer, when I will become part of a project that excites me greatly,” Keita was quoted as saying by the club website.
“My commitment to RBL remains absolute for the remainder of my time at the club. I have given my all every time I have worn the shirt – that will be the case until the final whistle, in my final appearance,” the Guinean international added.
The Reds had been pursuing a deal with Keita for a while now but had several bids rejected, before Leipzig finally acquiesced for a figure said to be north of £60 million.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have begun the season in impressive form and are currently placed second in the Premier League table with three games played.
Apart from Salah, Liverpool have signed Dominic Solanke and Andy Robertson in what has been a busy transfer window but are said to be chasing Southampton defender Virgil van Djik and Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar as well.
Whether they are able to nab the duo with less than 72 hours remaining before the August 31 deadline remains to be seen.
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