Pundit: ‘Naby Ketia won’t be at Liverpool next season’ after source’s reveal
Naby Keita “won’t be at Liverpool next season” after the latest news on his future.
That is according to ex-Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the midfield star.
Keita, 27, is out of contract at the end of the season and could agree a pre-contract with an overseas side in January.
Football Insider revealed last month that he has opened talks with Liverpool about a new long-term deal and the club are hopeful of tying him down.
The latest from our Anfield source today is that the player wants more starts and a key role in Jurgen Klopp’s side when fit.
Keita has yet to play this term due to injury.
He has not figured since the 30 July Community Shield win over Man City, and his absence, combined with other senior star injuries, forced the club into signing Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus.
“I don’t expect Keita to be at Liverpool next season,” Whelan told Football Insider. “He is a fine player when fit, and has plenty to offer.
“But his availability record is horrendous and that has been the case throughout his time at Liverpool.
“He doesn’t get major injuries, really long-term ones, but is constantly struggling with muscle strains and can never string together a run of 10-15 starts.
“They need midfielders they can rely on to stay fit. I’m sure Klopp rates him highly, but can he rely on him? The evidence is that he can’t.”
In other news, Liverpool set sights on signing ‘phenomenal’ West Ham player.