Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Naby Keita is open to signing a new contract at Liverpool but wants assurances regarding his game time – with numerous clubs said to be monitoring his situation with his Anfield deal ending in June.
Keita, 27, has endured a difficult time at Liverpool. Numerous injuries, a lack of momentum and bouts of good form, followed by a run of poor displays. In four years at the club, he has only managed 117 appearances in all competitions.
The quality is there, but Keita’s injury record has hampered him no end. This season for example, he has played just once – in the Community Shield. He is one of a number of midfielders currently injured, forcing the Reds to sign Arthur.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Keita’s future is in doubt. German newspaper Bild claim Dortmund are looking at a move for Keita. Jones delivers an update, saying he is open to a new deal, but many clubs want him.
“I’m told he’s open-minded about a new contract but needs to believe he has a long-term role. Clubs across Europe are monitoring this one in case he decides he wants a move in the new year,” Jones told Give Me Sport.
Keita open to signing new contract at Liverpool; numerous clubs keen
Keita might be open to a new deal, but really, Liverpool need to think about offloading him. They should really have got rid of Keita in the summer but perhaps, the injury prevented the Guinea star from passing a medical elsewhere.
So, that leaves only the January window. With non-English sides able to poach £130,000-a-week Keita on a pre-contract transfer from January, it looks unlikely Liverpool will get any major cash. A new deal then, might be better.
It might be that Liverpool hand him a new deal, but continue to look to offload him – in order to increase his value. But he has little future at Anfield despite being given numerous chances during his four years. A crucial time for Keita.
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