Naby Keita will reportedly leave Liverpool at the end of this season once the midfielder’s contract with the club has expired.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old will join Roberto Firmino out of Anfield this summer when Keita’s contract comes to an end, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expected to make a similar decision at the end of this season.
Naby Keita will leave Liverpool on a free transfer. No changes on the plan for him and Oxlade-Chamberlain, decisions are made since November — and same will happen for Arthur Melo’s loan. 🔴 #LFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2023
Keita, considering many options to try a new challenge soon. pic.twitter.com/ZI3Pbv1zTM
With James Milner’s contract also expiring, as many as four Liverpool players could leave the club this summer, though Keita’s departure could be the easiest to remedy in the transfer window given the midfielder’s injury issues over the years.
The former RB Leipzig star has seen his time on Merseyside plagued by injuries, and whilst there have been some bright moments, many Liverpool supporters will likely be pleased to see Keita leave Anfield for a new chapter in his career, even after how much the club spent on the Guinean.
Indeed, Keita remains one of Liverpool’s most expensive signings, yet even with the midfielder now set to leave for free, many fans will agree that a swift exit from Anfield will be for the best, alongside the likes of Firmino and fellow midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Keita right to leave Liverpool to kick-start career
Keita’s time at Liverpool has seen the midfielder win numerous trophies, yet few would consider the 28-year-old’s time at Anfield a success, with injuries and a lack of form all playing a role in the midfielder’s disappointing five years in the Premier League.
Whilst it might seem harsh to allow Keita to leave at this stage of his career, allowing the midfielder to depart will be for the best for all parties, with Liverpool able to save some money from the wage bill and bring in a no. 8 who can take the squad to a new level in the coming years.