Liverpool transfers: The 5 best alternatives to Naby Keita

SHANGHAI, CHINA - JULY 19: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal FC of Arsenal FC competes for the ball with Renato Sanches of FC Bayern during the 2017 International Champions Cup football match between FC Bayern and Arsenal FC at Shanghai Stadium on July 19, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - JULY 19: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal FC of Arsenal FC competes for the ball with Renato Sanches of FC Bayern during the 2017 International Champions Cup football match between FC Bayern and Arsenal FC at Shanghai Stadium on July 19, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
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Renato Sanches Liverpool
Renato Sanches Liverpool

With the news that Liverpool’s pursuit of Naby Keita has ended for this summer we look at five alternative midfielders who could help the Reds.

The reports coming out today are saying we have officially ended our pursuit of prime target Naby Keita of RB Leipzig. Dominic King of the Daily Mail reports that unless Leipzig change their stance Liverpool will wait until next summer to make the transfer. He has a £48 million release clause that will be active next summer.

There is little comfort in the thought of getting Keita next year. If he has a terrible season there will be huge question marks on going back for him. If he has a fantastic year then every big club in Europe will be trying to nab him. He could also sign a new contract which then voids the clause. Liverpool have said before they would go back for players – Dahoud and Brandt – only to see them go to other clubs.

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After Liverpool’s preseason game with Wigan, Jurgen Klopp spoke about how we will move in to other targets if our first choices hit dead ends. The speculation of who that will be is just about to ramp up.

We have five players who could realistically come in this summer as high quality midfield alternatives to Naby Keita. As has been well reported, the club view Keita as a generational talent. None of these players quite fit that category but there is still some incredible talent available nonetheless.

Here is our list of 5 alternatives to Naby Keita: