Report: Tottenham now weighing up free transfer swoop for player Virgil van Dijk thinks is ‘world-class’

By Milo Clay

90 Min reports that Tottenham Hotspur are now weighing up a free transfer swoop for Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita – a player Virgil van Dijk thinks is ‘world-class’. 

Keita is coming towards the end of his current deal at Anfield, with his contract set to expire next summer. 

The 27-year-old completed a switch to Liverpool back in 2018 after really catching the eye with Red Bull Leipzig. 

But the midfielder has struggled to find any consistency in the Premier League after being hampered by injuries. 

Now, it’s looking more and more likely that Keita will leave Liverpool for free next summer and it seems that Spurs could be willing to take a chance on the player. 

Tottenham weighing up swoop for Keita 

90 Min reports that a number of Premier League clubs are monitoring Keita’s situation in Merseyside. 

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all tempted by the idea of singing the Guinea international on a free transfer next summer. 

Both north London clubs could move for Keita as they look to add depth to their squads. 

Despite an underwhelming period at Anfield, Van Dijk told Liverpool’s official website that he thinks Keita is a world-class talent. 

“Naby is a fantastic guy, he works so hard and he is an outstanding football player. We see it week in and week out,” the Dutchman said back in 2020.

“He has unfortunately been unlucky with some injuries, but hopefully he can stay fully fit for the next season. 

“I think he is world-class, if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball, the smart moves, the smart intelligence. It’s just incredible to see and I’m very happy for him.”

There’s no doubt that Keita is a talented player but it would be a massive risk for Spurs to sign him next summer. 

Conte is lacking a creative midfielder and playmaker like Keita but his injury record suggests he would be a risky option for Spurs.