Naby Keita won't be joining Liverpool this month even if Philippe Coutinho leaves for Barcelona
The Reds agreed a £55million deal to bring the Guinea international to Anfield next summer in August
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Any hopes Liverpool had of getting their hands on Naby Keita this month have been firmly rebuffed by RB Leipzig.
The Reds agreed a £55million deal to bring the Guinea international to Anfield next summer in August.
But with Philippe Coutinho continuing to be strongly linked with a move to Barcelona before the January window closes there have been growing suggestions that Jurgen Klopp may look to bring forward the 22-year-old's arrival.
However, any talk of such a move has been shot down by the Bundesliga side.
"Neither Naby nor his agent have made the request to leave the club in the winter," CEO Oliver Mintzlaff told Bild. "There are contracts, and they say that he will be a Liverpool employee from July 1 onwards."
Fifth-placed Leipzig remain in the hunt for Champions League football next season and Mintzlaff says Keita is firmly focused on helping them achieve it before he goes.
"It's not Naby's disposition (to save himself). Our pros have character and are ambitious," Mintzlaff added. "I am not worried. In 2018 I expect everyone to step up with maximum mentality, force and character. That's what makes us strong, and that's what we need for a successful second half of the season.
"We want to achieve a lot, want to return to Europe and would love to again qualify for Champions League."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments