Michael
It’s safe to say Naby Keita hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations since his arrival at Anfield. A tough roller coaster ride of injuries has arguably derailed his what was otherwise set to be a hopeful Liverpool career.
Keita was the star of the show at his former club RB Leipzig with many of Europe’s top teams after his signature. The 27-year-old central midfielder made 81 appearances, netting 20 goals for the German side during his time there.
It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp was a keen admirer of Keita and his abilities, so much so that Liverpool splashed out a whopping club record £52 million to purchase the midfielder.
Since signing for the Reds Keita has 116 appearances averaging just five assists during his time on Merseyside. The Guinean has struggled since moving to Anfield, and Klopp will be left wondering where that player has gone. My honest opinion regarding this sticky situation is that it’s time Liverpool parted ways with Keita.
There’s no doubt he is a very good player when he’s one hundred percent fit as he recently showed for Guinea. However, due to him being injury prone and reportedly on one of the highest wages in the team I believe it’s time for him to go.
Although his stats tell the story of a hardworking midfielder who will try to make things happen, for the significant outlay to get him, the Reds will have expected more than 18 goal contributions in 116 games.
His performances, particularly one in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid back in October, led to former Liverpool midfielder Dietman Hamann brandishing the player “not good enough”.
Not only was his transfer fee mouth-wateringly high, but his reported £120k-per-week deal means that in total his signing has cost the club nearly £78m, with another year remaining to be paid on his contract.
Sometimes you have to be honest and admit it hasn’t worked out so it’s time for a change. Nevertheless, despite my opinion the club have been reported by Football Insider that a new deal is to be offered to the player.
However with the club rumoured to be interested in the likes of Dortmund star Jude Bellingham I would seek a sale of Keita and use the funds towards the purchase for the highly rated Englishman.
