Pundit suggests the real reason Naby Keita is quitting Liverpool after source’s reveal
Alan Hutton has insisted Liverpool “have a plan” to replace Naby Keita.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said the Reds will have options in mind to bring in to replace Keita.
On 14 January, Football Insider revealed that Jurgen Klopp’s side have pulled the plug on contract talks with the 27-year-old and will let him leave despite his impressive recent return to the team.
The midfielder has impressed in recent cameo appearances after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Reds had been reluctant to let Keita leave for free in the summer and had been holding talks to extend his deal.
But the sides have failed to secure an agreement and the Guinea international will now depart Anfield for free in the summer.
Keita will remain part of Klopp’s first team plans for the remainder of the season.
When asked if it would be foolish to let the midfielder leave for free, Hutton told Football Insider: “It really depends what plans they have got.
“They will have targets for this summer.
“The likes of [Jude] Bellingham is of course going to be difficult but if they feel that they have got options there to bring in to replace the likes of Keita then that is why they have made that decision.
“We obviously do not know what the demands are so it is difficult to judge but they must have a plan in place if they have shelved contract talks.“
In other news, a pundit has suggested real reason Roberto Firmino hasn’t signed new Liverpool deal – ‘something’s wrong’.