Liverpool star ceases contract talks after growing ‘unhappy’ and could complete exit despite potential shortage

Naby Keita is growing unsettled at Liverpool and could end up leaving the club in the coming weeks, according to reports.

Keita has struggled to get going as a Liverpool player since joining up with the club in 2018. Several injury issues have prevented him from progressing, or at least showing any kind of consistency.

Last season was his busiest yet with Liverpool, since he made 40 appearances in all competitions. Yet he is not necessarily seen as a regular starter.

Indeed, Liverpool’s strongest midfield three, on paper, would consist of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara. Harvey Elliott also appears to have overtaken Keita, who likely would have played less last term were it not for the youngster’s own injury.

But Keita was showing his talent in patches when he got his long-awaited chance. It led to claims that he could earn a contract renewal, since his current deal is due to end next summer.

However, the situation has now turned back around. According to Sky Sport Germany reporter, Florian Plettenburg, Keita has become ‘unhappy’ at Liverpool.

Plettenburg tweeted on Wednesday evening that talks over a contract extension for Keita have come to a halt. There will now be talks to determine whether he can leave this summer, thus ensuring Liverpool do not lose him for free.

Injuries to Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have reduced Liverpool’s depth in midfield. But Plettenburg insists that Keita could make way regardless of the current situation.

As things stand, no potential takers for the Guinea international have been identified. He will only have a couple of weeks to find a new club if he wants out of Liverpool this summer.

At the age of 27, Keita should be in his prime. However, there have been too many setbacks for him to become impactful at Liverpool.

What comes next for Naby Keita – and Liverpool?

Hence, it may make sense for him to find a different challenge. Would it be within the Premier League still, or back in mainland Europe? It will only become clear with time, but that commodity is running out.

Keita has made 117 appearances across his Liverpool career, scoring 11 goals. But could they could without him, especially with the circumstances relating to Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain?

Well, Liverpool still have Henderson, Fabinho, Elliott, Curtis Jones and James Milner available for the time being. They are also aiming to upgrade their midfield options in 2023, when Jude Bellingham will undoubtedly be high on their wish-list.

Therefore, it may make sense to get rid of Keita while they can. They would struggle to get back what they paid for him, but something is better than nothing.

Indeed, they chose that route when selling the more valuable Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich earlier this summer. There could yet be time for another African to exit Anfield before September.

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