Liverpool could sell Naby Keita on one condition amid journalist’s update – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Liverpool should sell Naby Keita this summer if the midfielder isn’t likely to sign a new deal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa right-back said the Reds will want to “tie down” Keita to strengthen their ageing midfield.
According to The Sun‘s Alan Nixon (6 August), Jurgen Klopp’s side are close to agreeing a contract extension with the 27-year-old.
The Guinea international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2018 for £52.75million.
The midfielder has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Keita’s future, Hutton said: “Nobody wants an asset to leave for nothing.
“He’s not regularly starting week in week out, I know Jurgen Klopp likes to tinker with his midfield and his squad in general but you don’t want to see him going for free.
“I think they will obviously try and tie him down. The midfield for Liverpool is probably an area where they need a few bodies in, it’s not getting any younger, so I think they would want to tie him down.
“Ultimately if he doesn’t want to sign a new deal I think now would be the time to let him leave because you don’t want to let one of your assets leave for nothing.“
Keita was not in the squad for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday (6 August).
The Liverpool Echo reported (10 August) that the midfielder was suffering from an illness as reason for his absence.
In other news, a pundit expects Liverpool to axe Roberto Firmino after Jurgen Klopp claim pre-Crystal Palace.