In a recent report, ESPN has mentioned that Liverpool could cash in on Naby Keita this summer. It is understood that the Reds are looking to raise funds for other incoming arrivals and could let the injury-prone Guinean midfielder leave during this summer transfer window (via ESPN).
Keita’s Lacklustre Season At Merseyside
Keita has endured another underwhelming season at Anfield as he has struggled to catch the eye with his performances over the past ten months. Plus, he has missed a lot of matches this season because of multiple injuries. The Guinea international has made 16 appearances for the Merseyside club this term across multiple competitions.
The 26-year-old has struggled to be consistent with his midfield contributions after he only averaged 0.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 0.7 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season. Still, the Guinean sensation deserves a bit of credit for being tidy with his ball distribution because he has completed 87.5% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Keita is under contract at Liverpool until the summer of 2023, so Jurgen Klopp has no immediate pressure to cash in on him this summer. However, his spell with the Reds has been ravaged by injuries, so it makes sense for Klopp to cut his losses by letting him go in this off-season.
Should The Reds Let Keita Go This Summer?
Keita is a moderately-paced midfielder who has a good work ethic and can complete some dangerous dribbles with the ball in the opposition half. He can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and is an excellent passer as well.
However, Keita has failed to prove his worth in the Premier League as he has often found himself on the treatment table. Klopp’s patience might be wearing thin with regards to the Guinea international as he is clearly struggling to prove his fitness at Anfield.
The Liverpool boss needs to add more quality to his squad if he wants his players to challenge for the Premier League title next season. Hence, the Reds would be wise to ship Keita out this summer as it’s high time that they gave up on him and brought in a suitable replacement. At 26, Keita is currently at his peak, so he might fancy switching clubs in search of a fresh start as things have not gone to plan for him at Merseyside thus far.
