Liverpool are expecting midfielder Naby Keita to sign a new contract at the club over the summer.
That’s according to The Times, who claim that Liverpool have already begun discussions with Keita over an extension.
It’s reportedly ‘expected’ that the 27-year-old will agree to fresh terms over a contract that is due to end next year. No further details of the nature of the contract have been released so far.
Unfortunately, the same outcome isn’t anticipated for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Times claim the 28-year-old will be ‘allowed to leave.’
Keita gets his reward
It feels a little bit like a trick of the mind that Keita has now been at Liverpool for four years. In that time The Reds have won six major trophies including the Premier League and the Champions League.
Naby himself has tended to be on the periphery of those successes. In that respect, last season was a huge one for him.
With a deal running until 2023, it was his last real chance to convince Liverpool that he deserved a new deal. There will be some who potentially claim otherwise, but we think he more than earnt his chance to stay at Anfield.
Keita posted 40 appearances for the season, scoring four times. For context, in the previous two seasons combined, the Guinean had managed 47 appearances, again scoring four times. His form led Jurgen Klopp to call him ‘incredible’ via liverpoolfc.com in April.
It’s hard to be certain of course. But Liverpool’s number 8 looks to have turned a corner with his injury issues. If he can stay fit next season, he’ll hopefully get even better.
Guinea didn’t make the World Cup either. As a result, he’ll get the chance for a good break over the winter.
Meanwhile, midfield partners Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho will all surely head for Qatar. Along with the recently renewed James Milner, his freshness will be important.
Much more was expected of Keita following his near £50m move to Liverpool in 2017. But for what he is offering the squad right now, it’s a no-brainer to tie him down further.
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