A shock report from ESPN claims that Naby Keita could still be sold despite his fantastic form in pre-season and the brilliant way he has started the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
The Guinean turned down Barcelona and Bayern Munich to join the Reds and things haven’t gone his way ever since but his luck with injuries has turned.
Keita, a sensational player on his day that suffered just six injuries at RB Leipzig has since picked up 12 different issues during his time at Anfield, hasn’t been injured or ill since February.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Naby Keita of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 17, 2021 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He seems to have won some over that were on the fence during pre-season with his form and fitness and every day that he remains fit, he proves to his doubters that he can make it in the Premier League.
However, despite starting both of Liverpool’s games this season, a report from ESPN claims that Naby Keita is not guaranteed a future under Jurgen Klopp.
The report says that “Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita [are] potentially available for the right offer.”
While there is no denying that Origi and Minamino have some way to go to prove they can carry Liverpool’s attack or make a significant contribution in the long-term and even Chamberlain will admit he’s not a starter at Anfield, Keita will feel comfortable after his displays in pre-season and in the first couple of games this season.
NORWICH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Naby Keita of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool at Carrow Road on August 14, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
With Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all nearing full fitness, he has given Jurgen Klopp a major selection headache as the 54-year-old will now need to decide whether to reward the Guinean’s form or stick with his trusted trio.
I personally think it would be quite harsh to drop Keita when Chelsea visit Merseyside this weekend and given his importance to Liverpool’s counter-pressing and how Thomas Tuchel’s side likes to hold the ball, having Keita in the side will be important.
What’s blatantly clear despite ESPN’s report is that Liverpool are not getting ready to sell the 26-year-old this summer and if he can maintain his fitness, we should see the best of Naby Keita.
