Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic start to the new campaign, but they could be set to lose one of their midfielders, unless his demands are met.
Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is reportedly set to snub contract talks at the club unless he is not guaranteed regular first-team football.
Keita has struggled to nail down a starting berth at Anfield, while several injuries have limited his development as a player.
The 26-year-old has less than two years remaining on his contract deal, which he signed upon joining from RB Leipzig for a club record fee of £48million in 2018.
According to BILD football expert Christian Falk, Keita will not partake in negotiations unless he is given more of a prominent role at Anfield.
The news comes after Keita was substituted with an injury at half-time during the 3-0 EFL Cup win over Norwich on Tuesday. Keita kicked the ground when trying to play an early ball, which forced him to be replaced by academy graduate Tyler Morton as a precaution.
Two goals from Takumi Minamino, either side of a header from Divock Origi, was enough to ensure the Reds booked their place in the fourth round.
However, Jurgen Klopp later revealed that Keita’s knock was not something to be concerned about. “At half-time we had to change because Naby had kicked the grass, and it was a little uncomfortable, but we are not too concerned,” Klopp said.
Keita came off the bench and scored a spectacular volley from outside the area during the 3-0 league win against Crystal Palace last Saturday.
The Liverpool midfielder has made 82 appearances for the club and has scored eight times during his Anfield career.
The Reds will also have to come to terms with the fact that they will lose Keita in January, as the midfielder is set to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations with Guinea.
Fellow Liverpool player Sadio Mane will also feature at the tournament with Senegal, who have been drawn in the same group as Keita’s Guinea.
