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Report: Man United clash could play a key role in Liverpool star’s immediate future at Anfield – nothing has changed

by
George Priestman
22 August 2022

Liverpool’s £22.5M rated midfielder is in line to start against Manchester United tonight, but he may need a big performance to stave off any transfer sale rumours according to reports.

The Reds face United on Monday Night Football to round off the third game week of the Premier League season which has not begun as Liverpool would have hoped.

Back-to-back draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace and injuries to key players have only made fans more anxious at the start of the new season.

Fans want a new midfield signing but it seems the game against United could be an important factor in whether they move for someone or not.

According to the latest reports, that could revolve around Naby Keita.

https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldTalk/status/1561297655652909057?s=20&t=6AwIK__MFxSQLng675qgBQ

Naby Keita may need a big performance vs United

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, tonight stands as a very important game regarding Keita’s plans in this transfer window.

Nothing has changed from the latest reports we heard last week; he wants to extend and Jurgen Klopp wants him to stay.

But talks have stopped, and an agreement is not in sight at this stage.

Keita wants to play regularly but doesn’t start in Liverpool’s strongest midfield three.

James Pearce at the Athletic did claim that Keita wouldn’t be available and he insists there’s no chance of Liverpool selling Naby Keita as Klopp reiterated that he doesn’t expect to make any further signings this summer.

However, there are still another 10 days of the window left and if it doesn’t get sorted out before then, it will definitely be re-visited in January – granted no contract deal has been made.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1559983400286670851?s=20&t=Sosk6HWLAalCUGxhGWfalA

Statistically perfect for Liverpool

Keita arrived as a pressing machine from RB Leipzig – a player tasked with helping improve Liverpool’s midfield back in 2018, however, inconsistency with injuries and form have seen him struggle to hold down a place.

His statistics, however, tell a different story.

We compared them to one of the PL’s newest and most impressive midfielders Bruno Guimarães – another player who would drastically improve Liverpool’s midfield.

Klopp will demand more consistency from Keita, who may be on borrowed time given he’s entered the final year of his deal with contract talks reportedly halted.

Time may run out for Keita who has been at the club for four seasons in total now – they can’t wait forever to find out if Keita can truly affect this Liverpool side week in, week out.