Liverpool have been linked to all manner of transfer targets over the last week or so. Eden Hazard, Inigo Martinez and Remy Cabella have all been lined up for a move to Anfield, though none of them seem particularly likely. But then there’s Barcelona’s Seydou Keita, who doesn’t appear to be opposed to a move. Speaking to TalkSport Keita admitted:
“A challenge elsewhere would appeal to me, and Liverpool are a great team with great players. We will wait until the end of the season to see what happens. I love Barcelona, it is difficult to find a better team than them, but I am ambitious and want to play football every week.”
Though he started strong at Barcelona, joining them back in 2008, his chances have become more and more limited. Although he made more appearances than any other outfield player last season he hasn’t had much of a look in since Cesc Fabregas joined the squad in the summer.
There’s nothing particularly embarrassing about being a benchwarmer at Barcelona. Such is the extent of their talent that even the very best end up sidelined at one stage or another. Keita’s lack of game time this season should not be considering evidence of a lack of quality. He has proven just how good he is over the years with 108 appearances for Barca and 156 for French side Lens. After spending plenty of time in both France and Spain, the Mali international may well fancy a move to the Premier League.
He’s renowned for his ability going forward, but he’s also highly versatile and is capable of playing almost anywhere in Liverpool’s midfield.
But will Liverpool be willing to break their transfer policy in order to obtain Keita? Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli have spearheaded a youth policy over the last year or so. The emphasis has been on finding the best young British talent and brining them to Anfield. Keita is 32-years-old and would surely represent a break in the established order of things at Liverpool.
His arrival may see the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Jordan Henderson further sidelined and this is something that Liverpool should take into consideration. Do the Reds sign somebody with quality who threatens to interrupt the development of younger players or do they hope that the youth at the club will come good over the course of next season?
I can’t help but feel that he’d be ideal for Liverpool. The Reds have come up this short this season and can’t afford to gamble on their young talent. If he’s interested and Barcelona are reasonable, then surely Liverpool should start making their enquiries now?
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
He’d have to be on a free and come without excessive wage demands. He’s really too old and also would cut into our allowable foreign player ration.
I would put this story down to the over stimulation of Mr Harry Cloke’s single celled brain.