That’s the opinion of Lee Price who has written books on both the Bundesliga and Jurgen Klopp.
Keita has been linked with Liverpool all summer but the Reds have yet to reach Leipzig’s valuation of the 22-year-old.
“Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is likely to raid the Bundesliga for a replacement if Philippe Coutinho leaves Anfield,” he explained.
“Klopp’s top Bundesliga target, of course, is midfield powerhouse Naby Keita – who has already agreed terms with Liverpool – but there is a growing acceptance on Merseyside that the deal will have to wait a year.
“The player himself, though, could yet seek to force the issue with a transfer request. This is a deal that could go right down to the wire, and prove touch and go either way.”
Price also thinks Klopp could return to Borussia Dortmund and sign either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Marco Reus to replace Philippe Coutinho if he leaves for Barcelona.
He explained: “The former Dortmund manager likes the club’s forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the wantaway star is available – after a move to China broke down at the last minute earlier this summer.
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“Team-mate Marco Reus is another option, but BVB would be loath to let him go, and the German international would be less adept at leading the line than Aubameyang.
“He’d end up being another wing option, alongside new signing Mo Salah, and Sadio Mane.
“There are some concerns about the Gabonese’s off-field antics, but numbers talk and Aubameyang’s goal-rate means someone is likely to take a chance on him sooner or later, despite Dortmund’s insistence that he now won’t be leaving the Westfalonstadion this window.”
Liverpool have signed Dominic Solanke, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson so far this summer as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.
