Liverpool have not started the season in the dominant fashion fans have grown accustomed to, drawing with Fulham and Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League games.
This has raised questions of whether the Reds need to dip into the transfer market again, with Jurgen Klopp’s midfield viewed as a particularly troubling area. One player in that position who is making the headlines is Naby Keita, who has less than a year remaining on his contract.
Klopp would like to see the Guinean sign an extension, but the latter is said to have concerns about his minutes on Merseyside. Monday’s Liverpool transfer round-up brings you the latest on Keita and much more.
Klopp wants Keita to stay
Jurgen Klopp hopes Naby Keita will sign a contract extension with Liverpool, with less than 12 months remaining on his deal at Anfield.
The midfielder has struggled to nail down a role under the German since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2018 as injuries and inconsistency have impacted his minutes. Nonetheless, Keita is still highly-regarded by his manager, who was willing to sanction a £48million transfer for him.
Sky Sport Germany claims Monday night’s clash with Manchester United is viewed as a vital fixture by Keita as he weighs up his next move, with regular game time his priority. The report notes that negotiations between the club and the player have stopped and there is no agreement in sight.
Does Naby Keita deserve a contract extension? Have your say in the comments!
Carragher makes transfer claim
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Anfield legend Jamie Carragher does not see Liverpool entering the market again in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.
The Reds spent big to buy Darwin Nunez from Benfica while also securing deals for Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay, but there is clamour from sections of the fanbase for the club to sign a midfielder. However, Carragher cannot see this happening before the deadline on 1 September.
He told the Sky Sports Essential Football podcast : “I think they’d only go for a player they really wanted if he came on the market right now for whatever reason. I’m sure they’ve got something lined up for midfield next summer that’s why they haven’t done it this summer.”
Reds sent Sane advice
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes Leroy Sane would be a fine addition to the Liverpool attack amid the winger’s links with the Reds and Manchester United.
Sane, 26, scored 14 goals for Bayern Munich last season, which was his second in his native Germany since he joined the Bundesliga giants from Manchester City. “I think there is room for Leroy Sane at Liverpool,” Campbell told Football Insider.
“We all know that is all about the squad these days. There is going to be injuries, loss of form and back-to-back league and Champions League games. You need to be able to flip your squad so everybody is fresh.”
