Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Romano confirms departure of Liverpool star with next club revealed; Klopp eyes instant £55m replacement

Luis-Diaz-and-Naby-Keita

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will sign for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen on a free transfer.

This comes after Reds boss Jurgen Klopp decided against extending the midfielder’s contract, despite him playing a role in their recent success.

Indeed, since signing for Liverpool in 2018, Keita has lifted a Premier League title, a Champions League title, an FA Cup and League Cup.

Overall, the 28-year-old has made 129 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 11 goals and making seven assists.

However, this season, he has fallen down Klopp’s pecking order. Indeed, Keita played just eight Premier League matches – with injuries ruling him out for large parts of the campaign.

Now, according to Romano, Keita has decided on his next destination. On Twitterhe wrote: “Naby Keita will join Werder Bremen as a free agent, here we go!

“Agreement in place on three-year deal valid until June 2026. The main part of his medical tests are already done, as BILD revealed first. It will be official soon.”

READ MORE: Liverpool to shock Newcastle with bid for £21m attacker as Klopp continues major squad revamp

Klopp continues Liverpool midfield rebuild

With Keita set to depart Liverpool, Klopp is now tasked with bringing in more midfield cover into his squad.

The Reds have already announced the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. The Argentina international arrives for a bargain fee of £35m and is arguably a huge upgrade on Keita.

But, the midfield additions aren’t going to stop there for Liverpool.

Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram is the next target on Klopp’s transfer shortlist. As reported by TEAMtalk, Liverpool have ‘agreed personal terms’ with the 22-year-old.

But, Thuram won’t come cheap, with Nice allegedly demanding £55m for his services.

Nevertheless, the need for Liverpool to make midfield improvements was clear to see this season.

The likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are all top players on their day – but they aren’t getting any younger.

Now, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Naby Keita all leaving, their departure makes room for young, hungry players to fight for a spot in Klopp’s starting XI.

A trio of Thuram, Mac Allister and Harvey Elliot is an interesting prospect. So, it will be interesting to see what midfield combination Klopp opts for next season.

READ MORE: Liverpool in clear to finalise controversial signing after prime suitors drop out of hunt for Premier League star