KEY POINTS

  • Naby Keita joined Liverpool in 2017
  • The Reds paid $63 million for the Guinea national
  • Keita has won the league title and UCL with Liverpool

Liverpool FC midfielder Naby Keita is reportedly unhappy with his contract situation at the Anfield club and could part ways.

Keita's current contract is valid until 2023. Contract talks between Liverpool and Keita's representatives have stalled and his departure from the Merseyside club is possible regardless of the current injury crisis being faced by Jurgen Klopp, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.

The Reds' two midfielders Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are currently out of action due to injuries. Liverpool, however, have no intention of selling Keita before the 2022 summer window ends amid interest from various European clubs, including RB Leipzig, according to Goal.com.

The relationship between Liverpool and Keita's agent, Bjorn Bezemer, is strong and the two parties last met earlier this month in Mallorca to discuss the Guinea midfielder's future at the club.

The report further claimed that Liverpool are looking to offer Keita a four-year contract as the Guinea skipper has the full backing of Jurgen Klopp.

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

Keita moved from Leipzig to Liverpool in the summer of 2017 at $63 million and turned out to be a fine signing, except the midfielder has been an injury-prone player. Regardless, Klopp rates Keita highly and is a part of his strongest XI at Liverpool.

In 117 appearances for Liverpool, in all competitions, Keita has netted 11 goals and seven assists and has played a vital role in Liverpool winning trophies over the years, including the Premier League and the Champions League.

Moreover, Liverpool are already on the lookout for a midfielder with long-term solutions in mind considering the likes of Fabinho, James Milner, and Jordan Henderson are reaching in and around their thirties. Therefore losing Keita would be devastating.

Last campaign, Keita missed only eight games due to injuries and made 40 appearances for the Reds in all competitions. In terms of the number of games played, the 2021-22 season was Keita's best.

Liverpool have started the 2022-23 campaign with two draws, 2-2 against Fulham and 1-1 against Crystal Palace. Their next game is a big one, an away-league fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, Aug. 22.