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Liverpool secure future transfer of Naby Keita

August 29, 2017

The Bundesliga is set to lose another young star to an English club as Liverpool and RB Leipzig have agreed to the future transfer of Naby Keita. He is to play out the season in Leipzig before leaving next July.

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Fußball Bundesliga RB Leipzig - SC Freiburg
Image: Picture-Alliance/dpa/J. Woitas

Liverpool and Leipzig confirmed on Tuesday they have agreed to the future transfer of Guinean midfielder Naby Keita, however neither club provided any details.

However, according to reports published on Monday, Liverpool are to pay Keita's 48-million-pound (52 million euro, $62 million) release clause - which is to be triggerd at the end of the season - plus an undisclosed premium payment. If true, Keita would become the most expensive transfer in Liverpool's history.

"I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will allow me to join Liverpool Football Club next summer, when I will become part of a project that excites me greatly," Keita told Liverpool's website.

The move comes as the future of Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho remains uncertain. Barcelona, who lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in the most expensive transfer in football history, have attempted to pry the Brazilian playmaker away from Liverpool. Coutinho has not played for Liverpool in August due to a back injury, but he was seen training with the Brazlilian national team this week.

Read more: Dortmund agree to sell Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona

One more season for Keita at Leipzig

Keita, who has played in all three of Leipzig's games this season has sought to reassure fans that his 2018 move to Liverpool will not affect his play in Leipzig, who are to participate in the Champions League for the first time this season.

Naby Keita
Naby Keita will play out the season in LeipzigImage: picture-alliance/kolbert-press

"My commitment to RBL remains absolute for the remainder of my time at the club. I have given my all every time I have worn the shirt. That will be the case until the final whistle, in my final appearance," Keita said in a statement posted on Leipzig's website.

"Having my future resolved means I can now focus on helping RBL achieve great things this season. Until I join my new club, next summer, I will remain an interested supporter from a distance."

Keita, 22, joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg before the beginning of the 2016-17 season. He made 31 league appearances for second-placed Leipzig, scoring eight goals and recording eight assists.

dv/hf (AFP, Reuters)