Exclusive: Naby Keita left 'hurt' with Liverpool exit set to become official and quartet of clubs eye summer swoop (original) (raw)

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has his mind set on a move away from Anfield this summer after becoming increasingly frustrated with life on Merseyside, TEAMtalk has been told.

The Guinea international joined the Reds in 2018 after the club triggered his £48million release clause from RB Leipzig. However, his Anfield career has been somewhat of a letdown, with Keita never really showcasing his undoubted talent during his time in England.

In total, Keita has scored 11 goals in 127 appearances for Liverpool but there have been many disappointments along the way.

And our transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed the player’s stance on his future and his grievances, with Keita due to be a free agent this summer.

Indeed, Liverpool’s whole midfield could be a line for a massive revamp. Indeed, several stars could be on the move, with plenty of interesting names linked to join.

Bailey told us: “The Liverpool midfield situation is not pretty, and probably the area that needs the most work. And that begins with those who might be on their way out of the club.

“James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all out-of-contract. And despite all three playing in recent months – it remains to be seen if any stay.

“One who is heading out looks to be Keita, but his situation is a complicated one. I understand he still feels aggrieved by many situations at the club.

“Jurgen Klopp loves him as a player, always has, and ideally I am told he would like him to stay. Indeed, at 27 he is arguably coming to his peak, or at the very least should be.”

Keita upset as Champions League final snub

The midfielder, who has been linked with a surprise switch to Tottenham, is fully aware that his form has not always been consistent. However, it’s events in the past that are seemingly leading him towards a summer exit.

Baily added: “Keita also knows he has not quite delivered since his big-money switch from RB Leipzig in 2018. However, Keita’s decision is based on what happened last summer.

“He was left out of the Champions League final which hurt him. He had produced some brilliant displays before the big clash with Real Madrid and genuinely thought he was going to start that game in Paris.

“But that was followed up by a big reason for him now seemingly heading to the exit door. And that was the fact that Liverpool did not reward him for his form.

“He produced what he thought was his best ever form for Liverpool and indeed in his career. But talks were not forthcoming and this hurt him, and concerned him in equal measure.

“Now, despite seeing some increasing game time in recent weeks, he is not really thinking of staying at Anfield.

“And while you can’t rule out a late offer, he already has interest from the likes of Inter and AC Milan, Lyon and perhaps interestingly RB Leipzig.

“They brought back Timo Werner last year. And they would love to pair him again with Keita after both starred for the club when they were together.”

Keita is likely to be involved again when Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday evening.