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RB Leipzig rule out Keïta move for Liverpool

By Benjamin Barkworth

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - JULY 11: Naby Keita of Salzburg in action during the pre-season match for the 3rd place between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Southampton FCas part of the Audi Quattro Cup 2015 at Red Bull Arena on July 11, 2015 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - JULY 11: Naby Keita of Salzburg in action during the pre-season match for the 3rd place between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Southampton FCas part of the Audi Quattro Cup 2015 at Red Bull Arena on July 11, 2015 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images) /
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Leipzig are determined to keep their squad together as they continue to reject Liverpool’s offers for Naby Keïta.

Die Roten Bullen announced that they rejected a £67 million bid from an unnamed club for the Guinean midfielder earlier this week, and that they will not be selling him in this window. This is a statement of intent from the German club because they aim to compete on multiple fronts due to qualifying for the Champions League. It has been confirmed that they have rejected at least two bids from Liverpool with the highest known amount being £66 million.

There is likely to be continued speculation until either the window closes or Keïta signs a new deal. So far Leipzig have managed to keep their key players from last season: Keïta, Emil Forsberg and Timo Werner. However, not many teams have the financial backing that they do.

Smart recruitment has seen them bring in young talents Bruma and Jean-Kévin Augustin to bolster the team. By doing this and keeping their main players they have managed to add some depth to the squad. This depth is vital if they want to build on last season.

Keeping Keïta is a huge boost because he is an immensely talented player. He is an excellent playmaker. In terms of direct attacking contributions, he scored eight goals and assisted seven in the Bundesliga. He created a total of 41 chances in the Bundesliga last season as well as having a pass success percentage of 81.8. This is impressive considering the rapid pressing style that Leipzig like to employ, which is supported by his average of two interceptions per game.

Keïta fits the style of play that Ralph Hasenhüttl has brought in perfectly. Losing him would impact their chances in the Bundesliga and Champions League significantly, so keeping him is vital.

Liverpool

Missing out on Keïta is huge for the Merseysiders. Bringing him in would have taken them to the next level because he fills the requirements for a midfielder in Jürgen Klopp’s playing style perfectly. He would bring the progression up the field that the team needs against stubborn defensive opponents.

Finding an alternative for him is going to be hard because of his blend of creative ability and defensive contribution. The Reds could wait until next season when a release clause of £48 million activates in his current contract. However, they will struggle without a star signing or at least some added depth in midfield.

Next: Liverpool shows hypocrisy over two stars

Liverpool are rumoured to be preparing a third and final bid of around £75 million. If this doesn’t work then they are likely to give up for this window at least, and focus on other targets instead.

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