Report: ‘Outstanding’ Liverpool player won’t discuss contract until January, likely signals his exit

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Naby Keita has made a decision of sorts on his Liverpool contract, according to reports. The Guinean could be leaving Anfield.

This comes from Christian Falk of Bild. The journalist claims that Naby Keita will not discuss his Liverpool contract before January.

Keita’s contract expires in 2023, making this a massive decision for his future. After all, other clubs can also negotiate with the midfielder starting in January. In other words, the player won’t talk with Liverpool until he’s heard other formal offers for his services.

It’s a sign that Keita doesn’t see his future on Merseyside, certainly. He’s spent most of this campaign injured, which is a huge blow to his chances at a big contract.

It seems he believes other clubs may be in a better position to give him what he wants.

Naby Keita makes Liverpool contract decision

It feels like time to move on. Even if Jurgen Klopp does see Keita as an ‘outstanding’ player, it’s beyond clear that Liverpool cannot rely on him.

The Guinean has all the talent in the world at times but injuries and poor form mean you rarely see it. When you do, Keita is spectacular and that alone makes contract negotiations difficult.

Keita is 27, meaning this is the final major contract of his career. His talent dictates that it should be for huge wages on a long-term deal. His contributions for Liverpool suggest the opposite – he’s not a long-term investment worth paying lots of money for.

And so we see this as a decision that sees Keita leave Liverpool in 2023. The Reds need to invest further in their midfield as it is and if the player isn’t sure about being at the club, he should be one to make way.

It would be a blow to lose such a player for free but we don’t see this heading any other way.