Liverpool to Make Improved Naby Keïta Bid

After reports that Liverpool's bid of £57 million for Naby Keïta had been rejected by RB Leipzig, it was strongly suggested that an improved bid would soon be made to accelerate a potential move to Merseyside for one of the most unique midfielders in world football. Jürgen Klopp seems intent on securing his top midfield target in what would be both a new transfer record and a significant statement by Merseyside's finest.

Will an improved bid of £65 million be enough to satisfy the hierarchy of RB Leipzig to enable the 22-year-old to display his impressive talents under Klopp's aegis? It is close to double the amount Liverpool paid to sign Andy Carroll over six years ago and would represent one of the most expensive transfers of all time. Such an offer would, at this stage of the summer transfer window, ensure that the breakout Bundesliga star of last season ranks joint sixth in the most expensive transfers of all time.

In fact, such a transfer would put many other deals into perspective irrespective of the sizeable outlay. Based on the Guinea international's performances last season, this is a player that will soon be considered as world class without question and is simply headed straight for the top. That Keïta appears determined to join Liverpool should reflect well on the project at Anfield and the unprecedented willingness to invest in the first-team squad. This will be a similar window to last summer when the aim was to improve three or four key positions, but the fees set to be spent this summer will considerably outstrip those set aside for the additions of Sadio Mané, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joël Matip, and Loris Karius.

The imminent signing of Andrew Robertson for £8 million isn't just about the need for competition at left back, the future of Alberto Moreno, or the perceived suitability of James Milner. It's about Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keïta—two players that can transform Liverpool into potential title challengers. However, the key question surrounding Keïta is whether Liverpool's offer is enough to sway a team that has maintained a public stance that one of its three key players is unequivocally not for sale.