KEY POINTS

  • Barcelona want to focus on free agents next summer
  • The Catalans are trying to further strengthen their midfield
  • Naby Keita has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool

FC Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool FC's injury-prone but talented midfielder Naby Keita.

Barcelona are planning to sign free agents in the summer of 2023 and Keita is among their priority targets, Spanish outlet THE SPORT reported. Apart from Keita, Barcelona are also eyeing Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan.

Keita has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool. The Guinea national, who has not played a single game for Liverpool since their Community Shield win, is recovering from a hamstring injury. His return date is still not certain.

The Guinea national team captain is considered one of the most talented players in Africa. However, since making the $53 million move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool in 2018, the midfielder has not been able to fulfill his true potential, often struggling with injuries and a lack of form.

Keita has now decided not to negotiate a new deal with Liverpool until January, German outlet BILD reported. Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund reportedly are also interested in securing the 27-year-old midfielder's services.

Barcelona are willing to ignore Keita's injury issues mostly because they are very much aware of the player's technical quality and his ability to play around both halves of the midfield. In addition, he has quick feet and exceptional positional sense, which makes him an ideal alternative for the likes of Gavi and Pedri in Barcelona's interior midfield positions.

Keita is also a very experienced player as he has played close to 300 competitive games during his time at RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig and Liverpool.

Keita was a vital part of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, which won the Champions League in the 2018-19 season and the Premier League in the subsequent campaign.

Aston Villa's Jack Grealish stops Liverpool's Naby Keita in his tracks
Aston Villa's Jack Grealish stops Liverpool's Naby Keita in his tracks POOL / CARL RECINE

Last season was Keita's best as he missed less than 10 games and went on to make 40 appearances for the Reds in all competitions. He started in the two finals that Liverpool won: FA Cup and League Cup.

Liverpool are currently struggling, as they have managed just two wins from eight games in the Premier League this season. Their next match is against Rangers on Wednesday in the Champions League.