Liverpool could still look to sell Naby Keita when the transfer window opens next month.
That’s according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sheth claimed that Keita’s departure may be one to keep an eye on in the New Year.
“He has had his injury problems throughout his career at Liverpool,” began the journalist. “There have been links once more to a return to the Bundesliga, but he is with the Liverpool squad now in Dubai and he has resumed training with them.
“It is definitely one to keep an eye on because if Liverpool decide not to extend that contract, then there might even be business to be done in January.”
Keita living on borrowed time at Anfield
Keita’s whole Liverpool career has felt a little bit like a last chance saloon. But now, with his contract rapidly running out, it really is make or break time.
For the Reds, January is surely their last chance to make back some of the £48m they paid for the Guinean. Having not played a minute of competitive football this season, there’s got to be no way they offer him a new deal. Has there?
The only conceivable reason for offering Keita an extension would be to protect a little of his value. Maybe there’s even an argument for signing him up and selling him on this summer.
That carries its risks though. Who can convincingly argue that there’d be a market for the 27-year-old at a fee for even half of what Liverpool paid for him?
No, it feels as though a parting of the ways is very much in the offing.
But whether that’s in January or not could actually have quite an impact on Liverpool’s season. Whatever anyone’s opinion of Keita, it can’t be denied that he does offer plenty to the team, when fit.
Now that he is back in training, he could still play a big part for the rest of the campaign. Sell him on and Liverpool will lose that possibility.
However, losing Naby could also mean the Reds are forced to move up bringing in one of their midfield targets. Depending on who that is, this could even serve to improve Liverpool, while also bringing in a little cash. Whatever happens, Keita’s Anfield career is set to go down as an almighty disappointment.
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