Liverpool could ponder keeping Naby Keita beyond the current season despite the 27-year-old midfielder’s contract expiring in the summer.
According to Liverpool Echo, Naby Keita could stay-put at Liverpool beyond the current season despite his precarious contract situation. The Guinean’s deal expires in the summer, as the Merseysiders could ponder keeping the 27-year-old on board beyond the current season.
Naby Keita is already considered a bad signing made by Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. The criticism often comes in the way of the 27-year-old midfielder for his injury-ravaged time at the club. The Reds had decided to pay around £52 million and chased the Guinean for over a year.
The price tag is a significant factor in criticising the midfielder, who had remained injured when the club needed him the most. Keita has missed the last seven months of action following a few minutes in the Champions League final in May. The club have endured a torrid season amid many other injury issues and might even ponder keeping the midfielder beyond the current season.
Keita offers plenty of quality on the pitch whenever he plays. However, his consistent absence from the lineups proved problematic for the club to extend his deal. Liverpool are in the market for new midfielders, and names like Enzo Fernandez feature on their list.
Indications point towards an imminent exit for Keita, even in January, considering clubs are keen on the midfielder. However, replacing the quality that Keita brings to the team would prove another headache for the recruitment team at this stage.
While reports emerged about stalling contract talks between Keita and Liverpool, the club maintains good relations with his agent, who also happens to be Sadio Mane’s representative. Hence, new discussions can resume to understand the future of the 27-year-old.
Keita has returned from his long absence and played a cameo role for Liverpool in their friendly against Lyon in Dubai. While he came out unscathed, all eyes will remain fixated on the midfielder’s fitness levels. Some consistent performances between now and the end of the season could prompt the club to ponder offering him a new contract.
