Liverpool confirms Keita will arrive next summer

RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita will join Liverpool next summer after the two clubs reached an agreement over the future transfer of the player, the Reds confirmed in a statement Tuesday.

The deal reportedly cost Liverpool a little bit more than Keita's £48-million release clause, making the Guinean the most expensive signing in club history.

It's the second time this summer Liverpool has broken its transfer record. The fee for Mohamed Salah previously exceeded the £35-million benchmark for Andy Carroll.

Keita will officially arrive at Anfield on July 1, 2018.

"I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will allow me to join Liverpool Football Club next summer, when I will become a part of a project that excites me greatly," the 22-year-old told Liverpool's website.

"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."

Liverpool tried earlier in the window to recruit Keita immediately, submitting two bids for the tireless midfielder. Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz said he turned down a €75-million (£66-million) offer for Keita and vowed to uphold the player's contract, which still had three years remaining.

Aware that Keita's £48-million release clause would become active next year, Liverpool decided to act quickly and pay a premium on top of that amount. Leipzig accepted.

Keita's stock rose after a standout 2016-17 campaign with the Bundesliga outfit. His endless work rate and ball-winning ability made him an attractive option for many of Europe's top clubs.