Liverpool told to scrap Naby Keita deal after source reveals talks – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested it may not be worth handing Naby Keita a big-money new Liverpool contract due to his injury record and “ordinary” performances.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested letting the 27-year-old go could free up funds for the signing of Jude Bellingham – who will reportedly cost £132million next summer (2023).
Sources told Football Insider on Friday (23 September) that Liverpool have entered contract talks with Keita and are confident of securing an agreement.
The Guinea international’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, and he can discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from 1 January.
Keita hasn’t featured for Liverpool since the Community Shield in August after suffering a serious hamstring injury.
He joined the Merseysiders in 2018 but is yet to play more than 1500 minutes in a Premier League campaign.
Whelan suggested Jurgen Klopp’s side can only “hope” the midfielder’s availability will improve in future.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Is it worth giving contracts to players who haven’t really been on the pitch very often?
“He’s been injured a lot – and he’s also had spurts in the side where he’s looked very ordinary.
“He’s not featured at all this year.
“I understand they don’t want to lose him on a free, but they could free up a lot of money in wages as well if they let him go.
“That can go towards a Jude Bellingham in the summer.
“They won’t want to lose a player who they spent a lot of money on – but it’s just hoping.
“Hoping that when he comes back, he can stay in the team for a prolonged period.”
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