Leipzig's Naby Deco Keita celebrates the 4:0 goal during the Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Darmstadt 98 at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, 1 April 2017. (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidlines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa

CONFIRMED: Liverpool agree club-record Naby Keita deal for next summer

Liverpool have confirmed their agreement with RB Leipzig to sign Naby Keita, with the midfielder to join on a five-year deal next summer.

The Reds won the race for the Guinea international by offering Leipzig a premium on top of his £48 million release clause, which becomes active in 2018.

Keita will now join Jurgen Klopp‘s side on July 1, after spending the rest of the 2017/18 campaign with Leipzig.

The 22-year-old becomes Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer, following Andrew Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Dominic Solanke.

After undergoing a medical in Wilmslow on Monday, Keita put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the club, which will keep him on Merseyside until at least 2023.

Taking to Twitter on the announcement of Keita’s transfer, Liverpool CEO Peter Moore hailed the midfielder’s decision.

“On behalf of all of us at Liverpool, we welcome Naby Keita to the family,” he wrote.

“Have a great year at Leipzig and we look forward to seeing you in 2018!”

And speaking to LiverpoolFC.com after finalising his switch, the Conakry native said he was “delighted” to be joining Klopp’s squad.

“I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will allow me to join Liverpool next summer, when I will become part of a project that excites me greatly,” he said.

“My commitment to RBL remains absolute for the remainder of my time at the club.

“I have given my all every time I have worn the shirt—that will be the case until the final whistle, in my final appearance.

“Having my future resolved means I can now focus on helping RBL achieve great things this season.

“Until I join my new club, next summer, I will remain an interested supporter from a distance.”

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