Naby Keita’s future at Liverpool won’t be resolved in January, as Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to sell the midfielder.
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano suggested that Liverpool will hold onto Keita for the rest of the season.
“To sell players you always need the right proposals; at the moment, there are no official negotiations or bids yet so it’s still quiet. I’m told that, despite speculation, they are not planning for Naby Keita to leave in January, as things stand,” said the transfer expert.
Romano also gave an update on the futures of Nat Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. And both players sound a little more likely to leave than Keita.
“With Nat Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it depends on the bids and if Liverpool will be able to find replacements for them,” explained the journalist.
Keita heading for the end at Liverpool
What a sorry end to Keita’s Liverpool career this is turning out to be. After a stop-start few years, the Guinean looked to have a new contract within his grasp.
But injuries have once again been his biggest enemy. With a six-week break for the World Cup on the horizon, Keita is still yet to play a competitive minute for the Reds this season.
At this point, the decision has well and truly been made for Liverpool around the 27-year-old’s contract.
It would be staggering if they decided to hand Keita an extension now. Even if he recovers over the second half of the season, the damage has surely already been done.
After an encouraging level of football last season, he has once again proven himself incapable of staying fit.
It’s a real shame for both player and club that things haven’t worked out. Given the things the team has won during his time at Anfield, perhaps his stint on Merseyside can still be deemed some sort of success.
But the truth is that having paid such a princely sum for Keita, and after waiting a full year for him to arrive, he has never lived up to his billing.
If Liverpool can bring another midfielder in during the January window, they might be best cutting their losses on Naby. To lose a player who cost £48m for nothing, and whilst in his supposed prime too. That will be a difficult pill to swallow.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
