Liverpool star unhappy with contract situation and could depart club - Reports
Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is unhappy with his situation at the club and could look to make an exit this summer, as per Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Keita is said to be dissatisfied with talks over a new contract with his current deal expiring in just a year's time. Despite Liverpool's midfield duo Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having incurred injuries, Keita's departure remains a possibility.
The Guinean joined the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2020 for £54 million and encountered a difficult start to life at Anfield. After struggling to adapt to the English game in his first season, Keita showed signs of improvement last term.
He made 40 appearances last season, scoring four goals and contributing three assists. Keita currently has heavy competition in midfield under Jurgen Klopp with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner to contend with for a starting spot.
Klopp seems to be a big fan of Keita despite contract talks having reached an impasse. He lauded the Guinean last season, saying (via This is Anfield):
"Naby, I would say, is one of the best midfielders I ever saw."
Liverpool will need a replacement if Keita leaves
Liverpool can ill afford to lose yet another midfielder given the injury crisis currently taking hold at Anfield. Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain are currently on the shelf and there is a lack of options in the middle of the park for Klopp.
Even before talk of unrest on the part of Keita came to light, there were rumors that the Reds could dip into the transfer market for a new midfielder.
Klopp moved to play down this speculation following Thiago's hamstring injury picked up in the side's season-opening 2-2 draw with Fulham, saying:
"I know what will now come up, it’s clear. We said we don’t need a midfielder because we have enough – and we actually have enough. But the problem now is we get punished for something that is not our responsibility really because things like this can happen."
If Keita does indeed leave, it will likely leave the German tactician in need of a replacement. The aforementioned report had linked with Liverpool with a move for Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes.
🟠 #WWFC 
Wolves have completed Matheus Nunes deal, contracts are now signed with Sporting for €45m plus €5m add-ons, club record fee. Medical will be completed in the next hours, as expected - Matheus will sign today. 🚨🟠 #WWFC
Contract will be valid until June 2027. https://t.co/OMvFlRB4KJ
However, he is now on the verge of joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Liverpool have joined Arsenal and Manchester United in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.