Who is Keito Nakamura? The Japanese SENSATION wanted by Liverpool

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 28 Jul 2023 10:13 BST
• 4 min read

Liverpool have dealt with the departures of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane with the additions of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, but Jurgen Klopp still want to add another attacker.

While the Reds were burned by Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma on multiple occasions in the 2022-23 season, and they are now looking to sign a Japanese wing wizard of their own.

Klopp's side are now scouting Keito Nakamura, who currently plays his football for Austrian side LASK. Some reports suggest they have already seen an opening bid for Nakamura turned down as Liverpool ramp up their interest in the forward.

READ: 'What a baller!' - Gunners fans urge Arsenal to sign Mitoma

What position does Nakamura play in?

Like Mitoma, Nakamura's preferred position is the left wing, from where he can cut inside on his stronger right foot to wreak havoc, but he is also capable of playing across the final third deep or wide of a central striker.

How good is Nakamura?

Nakamura impressed for LASK last season, and his 17 goals and eight assists in all competitions gave him a goal-involvement every 116 minutes he played across the Austrian Bundesliga and the OFB Cup.

Still only 23, the Japanese international has already had spells in his native Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium and latterly Austria, and the feeling is that he is ready to make the step up as Mitoma has done.

READ: 'Liverpool let the wrong one go' - Ferdinand blames transfer for Reds' downfall

His international debut came as a last-minute substitute against Uruguay in March 2023, but in his first substantial appearance for his nation - versus El Salvador in June 2023 - he scored his first goal for Japan.

What clubs are interested in Nakamura?

Augsburg in Germany and French side Reims reportedly made approaches for Nakamura last season, but he decided to stay in Austria and the above numbers appear to have vindicated his decision.

Since then, Lille have expressed an interest in signing him, as reported by RMC Sport, while Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on Nakamura.

Foot Mercato have reported that Liverpool have lodged a £6 million offer for Nakamura, but LASK want a fee closer to £10m, which could allow another interested club to pounce.

When does Nakamura's contract expire?

Nakamura's current contract in Linz runs until 30 June 2025 - a deal he extended last August.

How old is Nakamura?

Born on 28 July 2000, Nakamura is 23 years old.

What is Nakamura's Instagram?

Nakamura's Instagram can be found under the handle nakamura.keito. He has 57k followers as of July 2023.