RB Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that Liverpool submitted two bids for Naby Keïta and that a third would be weighed up against the cost of him leaving this season.
Here we go again. As much as I would love to sign Naby Keïta this summer, I am sick to death of writing the same article every week with a little added info.
It has to be said, however, the new information that has been brought to light is not from a “reliable journalist” or a “source close to the player.”
Rather, RB Leipzig sport director has said something very interesting about Keïta which could see Liverpool revive their interest in him before the end of the transfer window.
The former football coach confirms that Liverpool had two bids rejected for Keïta, although he doesn’t indicate how much was offered. Most significantly, however, Rangnick mentions that if a third bid was submitted it would be considered.
“There were two offers from Liverpool and in between times also a telephone call between the clubs,” Rangnick said. “But not between me and Jurgen Klopp.
“For us, it was always clear that we would not give Naby Keita. That is why there was no direct contact.
“Every club that has sporting ambitious would have done the same as we did.
“But we must weigh it up. If we let Keita go for €70-80m this year, what more would that bring us compared to the sum we would get next year?”
I am intrigued. As much as I am bored of the constant speculation that leads to nothing, Rangnick’s comments are meaningful – that much cannot be denied.
This whole summer, Rangnick has been adamant that Keïta would not be leaving the club and even had the club’s owner speak out on the matter.
Yet, now, he is indicating that if Liverpool (or another club perhaps) submitted a bid in the region of €80 million then RB Leipzig would consider it. It is a huge step for Liverpool or other potential suitors to hear that the German side is willing to consider a bid after all that has gone on in the last few months.
Rangnick might have, however, been indicating that RB Leipzig stands to lose more this summer by selling the midfielder for €80m than keeping him for a year and selling him for £48 million when his release clause kicks in.
With Liverpool seeking passage into the 2017/18 Champions League and Keïta wanting to play in the tournament, it’s crucial that the Reds overcome Hoffenheim in their two-legged playoff.
We could see Keïta put more pressure on Leipzig to sell if Liverpool do qualify for the Champions League in a week’s time. One thing is certain, though. If Keïta is to sign for the Reds, it will be at the very last minute.
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