Throughout the summer, the name Naby Keita was rigorously linked with Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp made the Guinean midfielder his top transfer target, however, he was rebuffed time and time again by a determined RB Leipzig, who were desperate not to lose their main man.
Bids in the region of £70m were rejected but towards the end of the window, Liverpool finally got their man, tying up a £48m deal for the former Red Bull Salzburg man.
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The reason they were able to complete such a cheap deal is that Keita will join next summer, meaning Leipzig will be able to utilise their midfield talent for their Champions League debut this season.
The African star will be handed the number eight jersey, the shirt previously worn by Steven Gerrard and judging by highlights of Keita, he could be a viable replacement for the legendary Englishman.
In fact, a highlight video of his top five goals from the Bundesliga last season show that Liverpool really do have one hell of a player on their hands.
Fans of the Merseyside giants will be left drooling after watching Keita strut his stuff in Germany.
KEITA'S QUINTET OF WONDERFUL GOALS
He really is the definition of box-to-box, driving Leipzig forward and gliding past opposing defenders like they don't even exist.
The number one choice is a goal Gerrard would really have been proud of, an absolute rocket from the edge of the area.
Liverpool legend Didi Hamman revealed what Premier League viewers can expect from Keita in 2018/19.
He told the Echo: “Leipzig were the closest challengers to Bayern Munich and he had a huge impact.
“Kante is a holding midfielder who doesn’t really create or score. But Keita can really play. He can play two positions - deeper or more advanced.
“He isn’t shy about putting a shift in. He’s strong in the tackle and he’s got good feet. Going forward, he’s clever with his runs. He’s pretty sharp and uses his body well with a low centre of gravity.
“It’s rare that you get a midfielder these days with those kind of all-round talents. People talk about box to box midfielders but it gets harder and harder because the game is too quick now. Few midfielders can affect a game at both ends but he’s one of them.”
What a prospect.
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