Klopp rules out early Keita arrival
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has ruled out the chances of RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita joining the Reds in January.
Despite a deal being agreed between both clubs that the player will move in the summer, reports have suggested that it could be brought forward due to the German side’s failure to progress in the group stages of the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Bournemouth, as reported by the Daily Star, Klopp admitted that a deal would not happen in the new year.
There is an agreement with the club that he will come in June or July to Liverpool. There is nothing else to say about that. We really don’t think about it because of all the things Leipzig have said. Why should they do something like that (letting him leave in January)? So no, we don’t think about it.
Keita was linked with a move to Anfield throughout the summer but Leipzig were desperate to keep hold of the player.
After being unable to come to an agreement Liverpool paid the player’s release clause and will welcome the midfielder to Anfield at the end of the season.
The Guinea international was influential in Leipzig’s second-place finish in the Bundesliga last season but has come in for some criticism this season after he agreed the move.