Liverpool’s Naby Keita could be next to sign a new deal at the club after securing a new long-term deal for Joe Gomez.
The Guinean international has struggled to hold down a first-team place under Jurgen Klopp but looks set to be offered a new deal.
Considered injury-prone, Keita enjoyed perhaps his best season at the club since joining in 2018 featuring 40 times across all competitions.
That figure would have been even higher if he hadn’t competed in the African Cup of Nations.
The club are continuing to work on a new deal for Naby Keita, after securing Joe Gomez to a new long term deal 🙌 #lfc [@JamesPearceLFC] pic.twitter.com/9MAnBHf7BA
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) July 15, 2022
New Deal Soon?
Keita, 27, has entered the final year of his deal which expires next summer and the club run the risk of losing the energetic midfielder for free.
Liverpool’s chief writer for The Athletic, James Pearce, broke down the news that the club are ready to offer a new deal.
“It was another stop-start year for Keita. The Guinea international made some vital contributions, particularly in the second half of the season, but had to settle for a late cameo off the bench in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid,” Pearce claimed.
“Keita actually played more in the Premier League in 2021-22 than in any season since 2018-19, but that was still represented only 34.3 per cent of the club’s minutes. He made 14 top-flight starts. That figure would have been slightly higher but for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1446075958524616706?s=20&t=eqqFjNV6WTkZWD1iLiSdtQ
“Liverpool are in the process of trying to agree a new contract with Keita, whose deal runs out next summer.
“The 27-year-old’s battle to live up to his £52.75 million transfer fee on a regular basis is ongoing but Klopp’s faith in him remains’.
Liverpool seemingly believe Keita can play a big part, especially as Thiago, Henderson and James Milner reflect the club’s ageing midfield.
Question marks are always going to surround Keita over his injury record and consistency but there’s certainly a lot to build off from the 2021/22 season.
