NABY KEITA is hoping to make his move to Liverpool this week after helping RB Leipzig beat Schalke 3-1 on Saturday.
The Guinean star, 22, will officially join the Reds in the summer in a £51million deal, but is hoping to make his switch to the Premier League early.
In recent weeks, Bundesliga giants Leipzig have claimed they will not be letting Keita leave early, even for an additional fee.
However, Keita is said to have revealed he wanted to join Jurgen Klopp straight after their clash with Schalke.
Prior to the game, boss Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed: “[Keita] will play against Schalke – and hopefully well.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Klopp has been tight-lipped over the saga, only saying: “[Keita] is a player from Leipzig, I know that.
“And that he will be here in the summer. Otherwise, there is nothing to say.”
However, reports in Germany now suggest Leipzig could cave in their bid to cling onto Keita for the next six months and may accept an additional £20m.
B€$T XI Most expensive XI in the world worth £1billion, as Philippe Coutinho joins Barcelona for £145million
Keita recently told the Mirror he can’t wait to become a Liverpool player, saying it will be “very special”.
The midfield powerhouse claimed: “Becoming a Liverpool player will be very special, and a very important step in my career, but I won’t let fame go to my head.
MORE FOOTBALL FEATURES
“One should never forget where one comes from. My parents had nothing and sometimes life was very tough.
“I come from a poor family and from a country that’s also kind of poor. So when I visit Conakry on vacation now I buy sacks of rice and sugar for local people.
“And I also donate money to victims of floods and help my friends and family too because I’m proud of where I am from.”
He added: “I want to become the best African player in the world. My idol from Africa is Toure. He is strong, works hard and has made it to the very top.”
Keita scored RB Leipzig’s opener in Saturday’s home 3-1 win, finding the back of the net from 25 yards, thanks to a little help from a Naldo deflection.
However, the Guinean midfielder was later booked for a foul on Alessandro Schopf, meaning he will now be suspended for the club’s next game – should he still be at the club.
The win for Leipzig saw them leapfrog Schalke – who previously had not lost since September – into second place in the Bundesliga.
Leave a comment