What a statement signing.
There's a rumour doing the rounds that Barcelona contacted RB Leipzig on Sunday to bid a mammoth £75m for their star midfielder Naby Keita, but they were told that they were too late and the player was already in England for a medical with Liverpool.
Now it has emerged that clearly one half of that rumour was true. On Tuesday morning, Liverpool have proudly the announced the signing of the Guinean international for what will be a record amount for the club, smashing the £36m they paid for Mohamed Salah earlier this summer.
The Reds have agreed a deal with the Bundesliga club and Keita that will see the 22-year-old move to Anfield on July 1, 2018 following the conclusion of the current season. It is a tremendous coup for Jurgen Klopp, as the player is renowned across Europe as one of the most complete midfielders on the market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boY6iok96vQ
Whether the rumoured interest from Barcelona is true or not, it shows the esteem in which the player is held across the continent.
For Keita's part, he is understandably ecstatic about the deal:
“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.
“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.
“Having my future resolved means I can now focus on helping RBL achieve great things this season. Until I join my new club, next summer, I will remain an interested supporter from a distance.”
