Liverpool: John Barnes admits ‘things haven’t really worked out’ for Naby Keita
John Barnes #JohnBarnes
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Liverpool legend John Barnes has admitted ‘things haven’t really worked out’ for Naby Keita at Anfield with the Reds midfielder still struggling for form three years after his £52million move – and fears he could be offloaded this summer.
The Guinean, 26 was hauled off before half time in the Champions League quarter final first leg against Real Madrid earlier this week, having failed to put a marker down in the midfield battle with Toni Kroos and Luke Modric.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp revealed that Keita’s substitution was made in a bid to change the game, and Barnes said that the ‘inconsistent’ midfielder’s Anfield future remains in the air.
John Barnes has admitted that ‘things haven’t really worked out’ for Liverpool’s Naby Keita (R)
‘I don’t know what his future holds at Liverpool because I’m not privy to discussions and how they feel about certain a player, but I do think that it’s fair to say that he’s been inconsistent,’ the former England international told BonusCodeBets via Goal.
‘He’s played well at times, but he’s had quite a few injuries that’s meant that he’s not been given a sustained run in the team.
‘I know he’s a good player but things haven’t really worked out. It’s important to say that this happens a lot for lots of different players. This is just the nature of modern football. Whereby players may cost a lot of money and have big reputations but yet, things don’t work out.
‘So yes, it hasn’t worked out for him and it’ll be interesting to see what Liverpool decides to do.’
The 26-year-old has struggled for form at Anfield and was hauled off before half time at Madrid
Barnes says it will be interesting to see what Liverpool decide to do with ‘inconsistent’ Keita
Keita’s Liverpool career
Games: 76
Goals: 7
Assists: 4
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Keita was signed for £52m from RB Leipzig in 2018, but with seven goals and four assists in 76 games, Klopp may be looking to strengthen his midfield this summer, particularly with Georginio Wijnaldum’s future still undecided with no contract agreement in place and Barcelona circling.
Barnes added that Liverpool will look to bring ‘four or five players’ in to strengthen as they look to reclaim their Premier League crown from Manchester City, who are soaring towards the title.
‘It’ll depend on who they lose and who comes in,’ Barnes said of Keita’s future. ‘Because of course players may go, but football clubs are always looking to strengthen anyway.
‘Generally speaking teams always look to strengthen. Teams always sign four or five players and Liverpool aren’t going to be any different.’
The Anfield legend said Keita’s place may be under threat as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen
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