Liverpool open talks with Naby Keita over a new contract
According to Anfield Central (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are talking with Naby Keita and the Guinean’s representatives over a new contract. The 27-year-old runs out of contract with Liverpool in 2023, and the Reds would want to keep his market value intact instead of losing him for free.
Since joining the club in 2018 from RB Leipzig for £52.7m, Keita’s time at Merseyside has not been the most pleasant. Injury issues and inconsistent performances have frustrated the fans with the central midfielder. Last season improved as Keita scored four goals and got three assists from 40 appearances.
This season though, Keita has not featured for the Reds yet. A hamstring injury has forced him off the field. According to the gaffer, the former Salzburg midfielder should return sometime in October.
Unhappy at Anfield?
Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports had put out a tweet about Keita being ‘unhappy’ with his situation at the club back in August. Situations could have changed, but a decision over his contract should be taken without a hurry.
Liverpool might be looking to provide a contract extension to gatekeep his market value and secure a decent deal for the player instead of losing out on the player for free. In addition to Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also running out of contract at Liverpool next summer.
The Reds might look to find a solution sooner than later, or else Keita will be able to sort out a pre-contract agreement with a European club when the winter transfer window begins. Additionally, Liverpool even signed Arthur Melo on deadline day to help alleviate the injury issues so, losing Keita would not be as unideal a situation as it may sound.
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Liverpool could see a revamp in their midfield next season, and apart from Jordan Henderson, no central midfielder could guarantee themselves a place in the club beyond next season. Hence, contract discussions come in at a very sensitive time, and Liverpool should take a decision which should benefit both, the club and Naby.
