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Naby Keita debut: When could new Liverpool star make his first start?
LIVERPOOL have confirmed the signing of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig but when could he play his first game for the club?
Liverpool FC announce signing of Naby Keita
Liverpool agreed to a deal for Keita last summer by paying Leipzig a premium on top of his release clause to secure the transfer a year early.
And his move will be officially completed on July 1.
Keita said: “When you see how they performed last season it makes me want to do the same and to be a part of this team. I would like to be able to achieve a similar kind of season with them next season – but even better.
I also spoke with Jurgen Klopp who told me about the project for the team and that motivated me to be here
“I chose Liverpool because it is a team I watched often - and I also spoke a lot about it with Sadio [Mane]. He told me a lot about the team and the club.
“I also spoke with the coach, who told me about the project for the team and that motivated me to be here.”
Keita’s first day as a Liverpool player will be on Monday when players not on international duty begin pre-season training.
That includes the likes of fellow summer signing Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk, Loris Karius and Andy Robertson.
It was also announced today that Keita will wear the No. 8 last worn by club legend Steven Gerrard.
And Keita could wear the iconic jersey for the first time on July 7.
Liverpool will take on National League North side Chester at their Swansway Chester Stadium.
The game is set to be a sell-out with 4,300 fans expected to attend.