The Interesting Reason Why Euro Giants Rejected Naby Keita
Reuters / Hannibal Hanschke
RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita was one of the most popular names in the transfer market during the summer window, wanted by none other than the Bundesliga record champions, Bayern Munich, at one point.
The Guinean enjoyed a successful season with Leipzig last time around, racking up 8 goals and 7 assists in the Bundesliga, and he has already managed to bag a goal and an assist this season. Therefore, it is rather clear why big names like Bayern and Barcelona were keen on signing the talented midfielder.
However, despite being close to landing a deal for the Guinean international, the Bavarians pulled out of the deal quite late into the transfer window, due to the player’s price tag, as well as some disagreements on a specific condition.
Leipzig would only let their star man join Carlo Ancelotti’s side in 2018, all the while without an injury insurance. This means that if Keita sustains a long-term injury during the 2017/18 season, Leipzig would take no responsibility of it.
The Bundesliga giants did not wish to risk the amount of money Leipzig were demanding, and decided to enter talks with Real Madrid for the possible signing of James Rodriguez. The German side eventually managed to strike a loan deal for the Colombian, while the 22-year-old decided to pen down his future with Liverpool for a whopping £50m.
Surprisingly enough, the midfielder will be arriving in Merseyside only next year, due to his club’s strong intention to keep him for their first ever Champions League season. Jurgen Klopp was reportedly desperate to sign Keita, and did not care for the price tag or the conditions of his arrival.
Written by Ashish Sreejith 
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.
