Liverpool get away with paying smaller fee for Naby Keita

Leipzig thrashed Hertha Berlin 6-2 today.

Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho in January, which was a blow at the time, but it was softened by the confirmation that Naby Keita would be arriving from RB Leipzig in the summer. In the meantime, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner have stepped up but their midfield will be boosted even further by the addition of Keita. The agreed fee for the transfer of the Guinea international was £59m, a bargain by today's standards given the quality that Keita possesses. But there is a clause in the agreement stating that should Leipzig fail to qualify for the Champions League, the fee would drop to £52m. Leipzig beat Hertha Berlin 6-2 today, with Everton loanee Ademola Lookman picking up two goals and one assist. Despite the emphatic victory, they have finished the season in sixth place and therefore miss out on the Champions League. https://twitter.com/RBLeipzig_EN/status/995327852160671745 Not that Liverpool are penny pinching at the moment, but this is an added bonus for a club who are already on cloud nine, having reached the Champions League final. Many other clubs would love to have signed Keita, who will likely take the Premier League by storm next season. Keita will also wear the iconic number 8 shirt, last worn by Steven Gerrard. No pressure, lad.