Naby Keita is already ‘well on the way’ to a Liverpool exit as his contract ticks into its final six months.
That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey. Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast for 90min, Bailey said that although Liverpool are trying to keep Keita, he already has one foot out the door.
“They are talking, they are trying to keep him, but he looks well on the way out of the door. He can sign a pre-contract in January!” said the journalist.
With his deal coming to an end in June, something has to give. Given his injury history, Liverpool may be wise to let him go. But by the sounds of it, they still see him as being a useful option.
Keita counting down to Anfield exit
As of right now, it would be a pretty major surprise to see Keita stay at Anfield beyond next summer.
Talks have seemingly been going on forever between player and club. If an agreement hasn’t been found by now, it seems unlikely that it will be over the course of the New Year.
Instead, the feeling seems to be that Keita will have his pick of clubs to choose from in 2023. Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have been rumoured to be just three of the teams keeping an eye on his situation.
There has also been plenty of reported interest from overseas. Both Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have been strongly linked to the Liverpool No.8.
So, assuming this is Keita’s last season at Anfield, how do we assess his time on Merseyside?
It’s unlikely that he could do anything between now and the end of the season that could change perceptions. Liverpool fans will take some convincing that the man signed for £48m has been anything like a success at the club.
Sure, Keita’s arrival has coincided with a pretty great time for Liverpool. But the Guinean, unfortunately, hasn’t played a big enough part to be truly remembered for any of the trophy wins.
There have been high points but, overall, supporters have a right to feeling short-changed by his contributions. Perhaps Naby still has something left in the locker. For now, though, a mutual parting of ways feels like the best outcome for everyone.
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