According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Naby Keita is on the verge of leaving Liverpool for free at the end of this season. It is understood that the midfielder’s contract at Anfield expires in the summer and a contract extension seems unlikely at the moment. The 27-year-old has made it prevalent that he would like to exit after this campaign and a Bundesliga return hasn’t been ruled out as of yet despite being pursued by Galatasaray.
Keita’s Recent Form At Merseyside
Keita is having an up-and-down campaign at Anfield recently as he has struggled to be consistent with his performances at the centre of the park, failing to be productive in the final third. He has made 10 appearances for the Merseyside club but hasn’t found the back of the net or picked up an assist so far this season. Compared to the current campaign, the 27-year-old scored four goals and earned three assists in 40 matches for the Reds last season on all fronts.
However, the Guinean midfielder deserves some credit for averaging 1.7 shots, 1.2 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He was also tidy when distributing possession from midfield after completing 78% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Should Jurgen Klopp Extend His Contract At Anfield?
Keita loves a tackle in the middle of the park and can make a few timely interceptions for his side. He can strike the ball well from long range and can create some decent plays for others around him. The Guinea international can even make some clever runs with the ball towards the opponent’s penalty box. Keita is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can even function as an attacking midfielder if required. However, he has to find a way to be more productive on the attacking end of the field.
At the moment, Keita finds himself struggling on the bench having fallen well below the pecking order in Liverpool‘s first XI. With a few months left to run in his contract at Anfield, this season could be Keita’s last chance to prove his worth in English football. If he manages to be clinical in the final third then he could receive a handful of offers from clubs who can land him for free.
The Reds have currently got issues in the midfield department which is why Klopp simply could not afford to let Keita leave during this winter transfer window, so the Guinea sensation will now leave for free unless Liverpool extend his contract which seems unlikely as the Red Chiefs have prioritised bringing in Jude Bellingham at the end of this season.
