Liverpool urged to replace Naby Keita instead of offering new contract

Liverpool urged to replace Naby Keita rather than offer him a new contract

Liverpool have been urged by former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to replace Naby Keita with a new midfielder. The 27-year-old has not featured in the Premier League yet this campaign and is doubtful to feature prior to the international break.

The Reds’ problems in midfield saw a temporary fix after Liverpool signed Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus. Presently, alongside Keita, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones are the midfielders sitting out due to injury.

Last season was Keita’s best in Liverpool colours, scoring four goals and securing three assists from 40 appearances across all competitions. But even in what was his best season, he missed out on eight games due to injury. To put that in perspective, he has already missed eight games of this season.

Naby Keita in action for Liverpool against RB Leipzig in a friendly. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Speaking to Football Insider (h/t the Express), Agbonlahor raised questions over Keita’s fitness and urged the Reds to sign better players that can stay fit.

“I don’t think he’s [Keita] got a long-term future at Liverpool. He doesn’t have long left on his contract, and he doesn’t do enough on the pitch, for me. He’s not going to take Liverpool to Premier League or Champions League glory.”

“He has had his chance – but now they need to build that midfield and bring in better players. Injury has been a problem for him, so I don’t know why you would offer an injury-prone player a new contract.”

What now for Naby?

Keita moved to Liverpool in 2018 surrounded by a lot of hype and expectations. His injuries have prevented him from getting a successful run of games. When given an opportunity, a string of inconsistencies followed. Hence, one can argue that he has not particularly been up to the hype.

Moreover, Keita is absent from Liverpool’s squad for the UCL group stage fixtures. But the actual surprising thing is the former RB Leipzig midfielder has been named in Guinea’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies reportedly during a time he is nursing an injury.

Liverpool vs Manchester United is very important for Naby Keita and his future. — Naby Keita is struggling for consistency at Liverpool due to injuries. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It is claimed that the Reds could offer the Guinea international a new deal despite his recent injury struggles. But from a fan’s perspective, the midfielder’s time at the club has been turbulent and at times frustrating.

Hence, the club should look to offload the player, and maybe potentially upgrade on the midfielder. That would be the last chance to cash in on the Guinean given his contract expires in 2023.

With a lot of speculation surrounding Naby and his situation, it will be interesting to see how gaffer Jurgen Klopp tackles this situation in the best interests of the club and the player.

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Agbonlahor’s comments make sense to a big extent. Many LFC fans have spent seasons backing Keita and waiting for him to come good – but the story always seems to be the same.

It’s time the Reds look to cut their losses and just move on.