Liverpool beat Barcelona to the signing of Naby Keita because the Spanish club 'didn't try as hard', reveals RB Leipzig chief

Daily Mail | November 22, 2017

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has revealed how Liverpool beat Barcelona to the signing of midfielder Naby Keita.

The Reds saw off competition from Barcelona to land the Guinean star in the summer with the player due to arrive at Anfield at the end of this season in a club record deal.

The Premier League outfit pursued the 22-year-old all summer and eventually agreed to a deal worth £55m in the closing days of the transfer window.

Naby Keita (right) celebrates after scoring in RB Leipzig's win over Monaco on Tuesday

Oliver Mintzlaff revealed Barcelona didn't try as hard as Liverpool to sign the midfielderu00a0 — Oliver Mintzlaff revealed Barcelona didn't try as hard as Liverpool to sign the midfielder

And speaking to Sport Bild, Mintzlaff confirmed that the Liverpool were not the only club attempting to sign the highly-rated youngster.