Paul Robinson urges Liverpool to extend the contract of Naby Keita

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Liverpool to extend the contract of Naby Keita as the Guinean midfielder’s contract ends in 2023.

Speaking to Football Insider (h/t Liverpool Echo), the 42-year-old said that he was impressed with Keita’s performances last season and hoped the Reds extend the 27-year-old’s stay at Anfield.

With Sadio Mane having left with a year left on his contract and with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in the final year of theirs, Robinson feels it’s important that Liverpool tie down the Guinean midfielder to a new deal.

Paul Robinson urges Liverpool to extend the contract of Naby Keita. — Naby Keita has just a year left on his contract at Liverpool. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

“You don’t want too much upheaval in the squad. Keita played a lot better than people expected him to this year. I think he was excellent at times.

“It is very important that they keep him in my eyes. He has been much improved.”

The former England goalkeeper believes that since the Merseyside club didn’t replace Georginio Wijnaldum last season, it was imperative to keep a hold of Keita.

Keita’s influence has grown at Liverpool

The 27-year-old has found life hard in the Premier League since his move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool in 2018. The Guinean couldn’t establish himself in Jurgen Klopp’s plans until last season, playing the most minutes since his transfer to Anfield.

The midfielder has featured 116 times for the Reds, with 40 appearances coming last season. As a result, Keita was able to have more influence on the team and fans who watched him play regularly feel that the Guinean thrived playing alongside Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho.

If it weren’t for Keita’s injuries and a call-up to his national side for the AFCON, the Guinean would have probably played more with Liverpool challenging for all four titles.

Considering the form Keita has shown this year, Liverpool would be wise to offer him a new contract. The Guinean is a player who provides a goalscoring threat from the midfield. With the quality the former Leipzig man possesses, many clubs will be looking at snapping him up for free next season.

Extending the 27-year-old’s stay at Anfield is imperative with the likes of Thiago and Jordan Henderson on the wrong side of 30.

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While we have excellent prospects in Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, it remains to be seen whether they can step up when needed.

With this in mind, a contract extension would be a good idea for Liverpool’s short and long-term gains.