Liverpool still haven’t given up hope of tying Naby Keita’s long-term future down, despite reports that he’s unhappy at Anfield.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo. They claim that The Reds are ‘hopeful’ that Keita will stay at the club ‘beyond his current terms.’
That would mean the 27-year-old signing a new deal over the coming months. With his contract set to expire next July, there’s still time to get an extension agreed.
However, the Echo do acknowledge that there have been reports of Keita’s unhappiness at Liverpool. It’s reported that despite this, the club are still keen to press ahead with negotiations.
Keita situation still hanging over Liverpool
Keita’s situation had been one that was threatening to disrupt goings-on at Liverpool.
Not only was the Guinean said to be upset about a lack of first-team football, he was only reported as placing huge importance on starting specific games.
Namely, Keita wanted to start Liverpool’s game away at Old Trafford last Monday. Fail to play and he may push ahead with his desire to leave. With that news ringing in his ears, Jurgen Klopp had a big call to make.
Should he start Keita, a player who is yet to play this season and risk him not being quite ready. Or should he leave him out and potentially create a storm behind the scenes.
In the end, Keita did what Keita tends to do – he got injured. Whilst removing a possible tense situation, this did also give Liverpool another problem, they now have one less fit midfielder.
Bearing all this in mind, you’d think Liverpool might be tempted to cut their losses with Keita. But in spite of everything, it seems there is a genuine desire to make things work from the club’s point of view.
Whether or not Naby shares that view still remains to be seen. It hasn’t been confirmed how long Liverpool’s no.8 will be missing for either. By the time he comes back, hopefully this has been settled one way or another.
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