Liverpool insider James Pearce has provided his thoughts on the future of midfielder Naby Keita heading into what he calls a ‘make or break’ season for him.
The Guinean midfielder, valued at £28.8m on Transfermarkt, hasn’t exactly had the best of times since joining Liverpool, unable to recreate the attacking prowess that he showed at RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, with his rather poor injury record not exactly helping matters.
Indeed, former Premier League forward Kevin Campbell felt that he might have played his last game for Liverpool following his most recent injury and previous reports have suggested that he could be on his way out of the club with Leicester City keeping tabs on him.
But speaking on the 1892 Reds Podcast (30:19), Pearce seemed to suggest that the Liverpool hierarchy still have some faith in his abilities heading into the new campaign, but that he may be in the last chance saloon when it comes to his future:
“From the people I’ve spoken to, they’re adamant that there’s still faith there that he can come good and make a telling contribution.
“It does feel like we’re in the same territory with Naby Keita as we were a year ago when I think I was like most people, I think I remember writing that last season was absolutely make or break for him.
“And now, it feels like, this season looks like it’s going to be make or break for him instead.”
TIF Thoughts on James Pearce’s comments about Naby Keita
Should Liverpool sell Naby Keita this summer?
Yes
No
With this set to be his 4th season at the club, and with a contract that expires in 2023, meaning he’ll be down to the final season come next summer, you do get the sense that if he doesn’t make a major impact on the team in 2021/22 then Liverpool might be forced to move him on.
He may only get limited playing time if his injury record is anything to go by, and if he doesn’t manage to get over that, then you wouldn’t blame Liverpool for wanting to move him on and bring in someone they can trust, such as the emerging Curtis Jones or buying someone new entirely.
Although if he doesn’t impress next season, you wonder which teams might even want to take an interest in him to begin with.
In other news: International ace tipped to ‘ask for a transfer’ with Liverpool expecting ‘really decent’ fee