Reports: Leipzig seek to re-acquire Naby Keita
Germany's main sporting tabloid and Sky's German outfit both report that RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl "feverishly" worked on completing a deal to bring Liverpool's Naby Keita over to Saxony during the recently-completed January transfer window.
According to "Sport Bild", the RB-system graduate remains a target for the German Red Bulls this offseason. Keita will be available on a free after the current campaign concludes.
Two German sources report that a potential deal to bring Naby Keita back to RB Leipzig fell apart shortly before the close of business during the just-completed January transfer window. Sky Germany and Germany's "Sport Bild" claim that RB sporting director Max Eberl actively sought to acquire the Guinean international. The 27-year-old ultimately remained in Liverpool due to objections from head-coach Jürgen Klopp.
According to "Sport Bild", the RB-system graduate remains a target for the German Red Bulls this offseason. Keita will be available on a free after the current campaign concludes.
A move back to the Bundesliga may yet be in the cards for the 50-times-capped international. Keita has seen his estimated market work fall from a peak of €65 million shortly after he made the jump to the Isle in 2018 to €20 million today; a career trajectory not unlike recent Leipzig returnee Timo Werner. Keita - on a expiring contract - will be available on a free transfer this summer.
Much speaks for a potential return to German football, not least the fact that Leipzig will need immediate assistance in central midfield following the departure of Konrad Laimer. Keita could potentially benefit from getting back to his old stomping ground. The Guinean scored 17 goals for Leipzig across all competitions during his two-year-stint in Saxony between 2016 and 2018.
Keita vor Liverpool-Abgang! Rückkehr in die Bundesliga? 🤔
— Sky Sport (@SkySportDE) February 7, 2023
ℹ️ Zuletzt stand Keita viermal in der Startelf von Liverpool. In der laufenden Saison kommt der Ex-Leipziger auf elf Pflichtspieleinsätze.
via @Plettigoal#SkyPL #SkyTransfer pic.twitter.com/OjrKjRgtAG