Although much has been made of Liverpool’s supposed interest in coveted RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita and the Guinean midfielder’s apparent eagerness to make the move to Merseyside this summer, it appears the 22-year hasn’t put Anfield on the top of his list of potential destinations — adding a certain city in the Northwest of England to his wish-list.
“I hope that I have the level in two, three years and could play for one of the very big clubs,” he told German media outlet Die Welt, making no secret of his ambition. “This includes Barcelona, but it also includes Real Madrid or Manchester City.”
That, of course, isn’t he best news for the Reds. Mooting an opening bid of £50mil for Keita, Liverpool are prepared to slide in with both feet in an attempt to prise him away from the Saxony club, but not only will they have to convince Leipzig to part ways with a player they’ve already stressed they won’t let leave, they’ll now have to contend with the fact that he’s got his heart set on a move to Spain at some point or another. Couple all of that with the fact that the Bundesliga runners-up will be allowed to compete in the Champions League next season and things just got that much more complicated. With that being said, the summer is long and no one can predict what’s going to happen. According to the 22-year old, at this time last year, he could have made a move to the Premier League.
“I love Leipzig and I will never forget this city,” explained Keita, clearly looking to life away from the Saxony outfit. “Arsenal, Southampton, Manchester City and Liverpool,” said the 22-year old, revealing which English clubs had expressed an interest in signing him last summer, though he stopped short of giving Reds fans too much hope. “Although I did not talk with the coach [Klopp].”
