Naby Keita: Pundit ‘concerned’ by ‘stumbling block’ in West Ham deal after update
Noel Whelan has claimed Naby Keita’s “fitness record” could mean the likes of West Ham are better off looking elsewhere.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 27-year-old midfielder would command “massive wages” because of his contract situation.
According to Italian outlet Milan Live (25 October), AC Milan face competition from West Ham, Newcastle, and Borussia Dortmund for Keita.
The Guinea international is out of contract at the end of this season and can discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides from 1 January.
Keita is yet to feature in the Premier League for Liverpool this season but has been pictured in training over the past week.
He hasn’t managed more than 25 top-flight appearances in a single campaign since joining the Merseysiders for a reported £52.75million in 2018.
Whelan claimed Keita’s fitness will be the “stumbling block” in any potential negotiations.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “His injuries are a concern for any team looking to sign him.
“You’d be taking on an exceptional player, but someone who is going to be on massive wages.
“With that, you want to get your money’s worth. That’d be the stumbling block.
“We know he’s a fantastic player, but are you going to get a full season out of him?
“Because if you aren’t, you may as well go out and buy someone else. It’s almost a toss of the coin.
“These wages could be better used on someone else who has a better fitness record and can give you 40 games a season.
“He’s in and out of the side right now.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals FSG’s A1 priority amid “huge” Liverpool finance claim.