Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will not discuss contract situation until January
According to BILD via Liverpool Echo, Liverpool’s 27-year-old Guinean midfielder Naby Keita will not discuss his contract situation with the club until January 2023. The player is yet to feature for the Reds this season, still missing out due to a muscle issue.
His current deal with the club expires in the summer of 2023. His last game for the Merseysiders came in the FA Community Shield win against Manchester City back in July. He was on the bench against Crystal Palace but did not feature against the South London outfit.
But ever since, a recurring hamstring injury has ensured that he is not in any of Liverpool’s matchday squads following that. Moreover, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita saw themselves out of the Reds’ UEFA Champions League Groupstage squad as well.
In accordance with FIFA rules, the Guinean international will be free to go ahead with a pre-contractual agreement with a European club from January 1.
Keita at Merseyside
With Keita not having featured at all this season, it will be tough to come to terms with a new contract for the player. If past performances come into the picture, the fact that Naby misses out on a lot of games due to injury is also something which could be a topic of discussion.
But nevertheless, he showed last season that if he could remain fit for a prolonged period of time, he is an actual threat. Liverpool fans, understandably, would be in a tough situation judging Keita’s time at the club. He has been inconsistent with his performances but mostly has been unavailable for selection due to injury.
Last year’s positive campaign could have laid the power of negotiations in Keita’s favour, but with him being out of the first half of the current season, any advantage in talks shall be with the club.
Moreover, there is interest in the player from Germany. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig both are interested in securing his services. Liverpool could offer Keita a contract extension and then cash in on the player if the interests from abroad are genuine.
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On the contrary, some would say that the Reds should be done playing the waiting game and employ players, especially in midfield, that are fit and available to make an impact week in, week out.
