Who is Naby Keita?

Just three years ago, he was an unknown teenager facing relegation from France’s second tier. Now, after an extraordinary campaign with RB Leipzig, Keita is set to join Liverpool in a deal believed to be worth £70m.

His name has dominated headlines all summer, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having a number of big-money offers rejected by the Bundesliga club. Despite that, the Reds did not give up in their prolonged pursuit and decided to search for a solution.

Liverpool recalculated their approach and decided to take advantage of the the 22-year-old’s £48m release clause that comes into effect next summer.

Keita will now arrive at Anfield in 2018, having already agreed terms and completed a medical.

Who is Naby Keita?

A young, versatile midfielder from Guinea, Keita took the Bundesliga by storm after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2016. He was an instrumental figure in the club’s surprise success last term and helped Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side qualify for this season’s Champions League.

What can Liverpool expect?

He is a tireless defensive midfielder and has been compared with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta.

A number of players and coaches have heaped praise on Keita and his style. Hans Sarpei, a former Schalke player, has described his football technique as ‘amazing’ and says he ‘moves like music’, while former coach Oscar Garcia says he is ‘one of the three best players I have ever coached.’

Will he suit the Premier League?

There is always the risk a star player in a foreign league will struggle to adapt to the pace of England’s top flight, but anyone who has seen Keita play will be quick to tell you this man has it all.

Keita is not afraid to put in a tackle and is very capable of driving at a team’s defence. He is a very intelligent midfielder and is a fighter, something Liverpool have been crying out for over the last few years.