The timing of reports suggesting Naby Keita is ‘unhappy’ at Liverpool and eyeing a potential departure from the Premier League giants certainly don’t feel coincidental.
“He is unhappy with his current situation at Liverpool,” Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg Tweeted after Keita, who hasn’t played a single league minute so far this term, was left on the bench with the Reds chasing a winner against Crystal Palace.
“There were talks about a contract extension, but they have stopped now. His departure is possible regardless of Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (who are both out injured). Talks will take place.”
On the evidence of Monday night, James Milner and Harvey Elliott are both ahead of Keita in Jurgen Klopp’s plans these days. And then there’s Fabio Carvalho too, the youngster signed from Fulham this summer. First-team minutes will be even harder to come by once Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain return.
Is Naby Keita about to lose his place at Liverpool?
And, in a further blow to Keita’s hopes of an Anfield revival, Liverpool have reportedly joined Mancheter United in scouting Brighton and Hove Albion whizzkid Moises Caicedo. All-action and energy, yet an excellent ball-carrier; Caicedo feels like a typical Klopp signing, and another who would push Keita further down the pecking order.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool plan to continue watching Matheus Nunes at Wolves too. And that’s without mentioning Ismael Bennacer, linked in Italy. He recently rejected a new contract at Serie A champions AC Milan.
Don’t forget Jude Bellingham either. Dortmund’s England international will be right at the top of Klopp’s shopping list going forward.
Even if none of the aforementioned quartet are due to arrive until the summer of 2023 – with Liverpool closing their wallet for this year – it seems that Keita is not ignorant to the direction of travel.
His contract expires in less than 12 months’ time. He’s longer a key player. And Liverpool appear to be laying the foundations for a replacement to arrive. Keita’s sudden interest in an August exit, then, feels like a classic case of a footballer jumping before he’s pushed.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
