Report: ‘Strangest’ Liverpool player is now a target for Newcastle United

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Newcastle United are one of three more clubs lining up a move for Liverpool’s Naby Keita, according to reports. The midfielder is in demand.

This comes from MilanLive. They claim AC Milan want Naby Keita on a free transfer from Liverpool, one year after signing Divock Origi the same way.

They’re far from the only ones, however. Newcastle United and West Ham United are also in the running as Keita comes to the end of his contract. Talks with Liverpool appear to be off for now, handing a chance to other clubs.

Milan would have an advantage over the other two. They can formally agree a deal with Keita from January 1st, whereas English clubs must wait until June. The only thing really holding them back is that Borussia Dortmund recognise that, too, and supposedly lead the race.

But 90min suggests that Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also like the look of Keita on a free. This is a transfer race that might seriously heat up.

Newcastle want Naby Keita

It’s a strange one as everyone can simultaneously understand why Liverpool have let Keita’s contract down and why there’s such strong interest in him from big clubs. We’re talking about a very talented player, after all, and one with the talent to play for anyone.

But, as Jamie Carragher once put it, Keita is also ‘the strangest’ player you’ll find. His talent is incredible and you can see it when you watch him. At the same time, he frequently offers next to nothing in games despite having a sharp touch and incredible dribbling ability.

Liverpool won’t want to give him a big contract to sit on their bench. The likes of Newcastle and Milan will happily take a chance on him with said big contract.

We’re incredibly intrigued to see what happens in 2023. We do expect Keita to leave but exactly what happens is anyone’s guess. No one should rule out an Anfield stay, even if it seems unlikely.