.jpg)
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrqiue has told Reds boss Jurgen Klopp that he should sell Naby Keita this summer after reports emerged that the midfielder is unhappy on Merseyside.
Keita has a year remaining on his current deal at Anfield and has managed just 76 Premier League appearances across five seasons at the club.
Although injuries have been the main cause for this limited game time, Klopp has shown a reticence to use the Guinea international.
Advert
Thus, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Keita is unhappy at Liverpool.
The 27-year-old is frustrated with his lack of minutes and it’s understood this could be a reason why contract negotiations stalled and have now stopped entirely.
Enrique, who played for the Reds between 2011 and 2016, voiced his opinion on Keita’s situation and advised Klopp what to do with the player.
“If he is not happy, sell him this summer and at least we get some money,” the former Newcastle man wrote on his Instagram story.
Advert
“(Manchester) United are looking to pay £80 million for Casemiro. List, United, £40 million (for Keita) half price, younger player.”
With just 12 months remaining on his contract, Enrique may have a point. If the Merseyside club don’t move Keita on now, they’ll receive back nothing on the £48 million they invested in him in 2017.
Advert
Although Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain are suffering from injuries, letting go of Keita might further increase the opportunities available for youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho, both of whom have a high ceiling.
Liverpool are also expected to move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham next summer, so clearing a pathway early for him will help them persuade the England international to make the switch from Germany to the North West.
Having said this, Keita may be in action on Monday night as Klopp’s side travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.
If the Guinean is left out of the side, that could be another indication that he’s halfway out the door already.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Naby Keita, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours