Naby Keita is ‘likely’ to sign a new contract with Liverpool, according to Goal’s Neil Jones.
The Guinean midfielder has struggled for injuries since arriving at Anfield in 2017 from RB Leipzig, but has enjoyed his most consistent campaign to date.
He played 40 matches across all competitions, seven more than he managed in his first Liverpool season in 2018/19.
With a year left on his contract it is thought that his future may be up in the air, but with Liverpool’s midfield area lacking a huge amount of depth, he will be a valuable part of the squad aiming to win back the Premier League title.
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At just 27, Keita still has years ahead in terms of development, especially with such a successful campaign this season, winning both domestic cups and coming ever so close to an unprecedented quadruple.
Keita ranks first in successful pressures, successful tackles, completed dribbles, successful passes into the penalty area, and goals per 90 this season amongst Liverpool midfielders.
He also ranks second in assists, blocks and carries per 90.
Speaking before the Champions League Semi-Final against Villarreal, manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Keita’s abilities when fit.
"Long may that continue!" Klopp said on Keita's fitness.
"That is crucial, that is key to everything. If you have the skills of Naby Keita and you are not fit, then no one sees it."
"If you then come back and you are not in the best possible shape, that is normal, physically."
"The player is never in doubt, not for a second because he is outstanding. So it is good that he is now available."
"Yes he is a very good option. He played a really good game in the league [against Newcastle], so we will see how long we can use him tomorrow, but he is a very good option."
The Reds will be keen to utilise him at his brilliant best - but with consistency being an issue for four years, will he be worth the financial commitment required?
Topics: Naby Keita, Liverpool
Chris Stonadge