The midfielder claims to have had interest from Southampton and Manchester City – as well as Arsenal and Liverpool.
Leipzig’s Naby Keita (left) celebrates
Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has explained why he didn’t fancy moves to English sides Southampton, Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool.
Keita moved to Leipzig from affiliates Red Bull Salzburg in the summer and has impressed with three goals in six Bundesliga outings, helping his side to second in the standings.
Former Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Naby Keita in action against Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez
However, speaking to SportNet, as quoted by the London Evening Standard, the 21-year-old claims he could have just as easily been plying his trade in England’s top flight.
“Arsenal, Manchester City and Southampton were all interested in signing me and Liverpool as well, although I did not speak with their coach,” he said.
“I did not want to join a big Champions League club right away. It is too early for that. I want to prove myself in the Bundesliga first now.”
Prior to joining Leipzig, Keita scored 20 goals in 81 Salzburg appearances and won the league in both of his seasons in Austria.
Naby Keita (right) on Guinea duty
Arsenal, in particular, have long been linked with the Guinean’s services, and are said to have scouted him in March this year (Sport 24).
Southampton previously raided the Austrian side to sign Sadio Mane – now of course a Liverpool player – while Manchester City and Liverpool bosses Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp may be familiar with Keita from their time over the border in Germany.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane
Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are currently tied on 20 points at the top of the Premier League, with Southampton eighth in the standings.
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