---
title: "Naby Keita expected to stay at Liverpool beyond the summer, claims James Pearce"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/naby-keita-expected-to-stay-at-liverpool-beyond-the-summer-claims-james-pearce/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-02-10T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-10T08:00:00Z"
---

# Naby Keita expected to stay at Liverpool beyond the summer, claims James Pearce

Liverpool are unlikely to sell Naby Keita in the summer, according to *[The Athletic](https://theathletic.co.uk/)*‘s James Pearce.

The Guinean is yet to match the hype that surrounded his arrival at Anfield back in 2018 – he is one of Jurgen Klopp’s most high-profile, highly-rated signings – with [injuries](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/naby-keita/verletzungen/spieler/302215) often holding him back.

Keita has managed [just 71 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/naby-keita/alletore/spieler/302215) for the Reds despite being there for two-and-a-half-years, highlighting his struggles.

Speaking on [The Red Agenda](https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-94576-d06cf0f?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share) podcast \[via *[ThisIsFutbol](https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/02/blogs/premier-league/liverpool-james-pearce-discusses-the-possibility-of-lfc-selling-naby-keita/)*\], however, Pearce played down the likelihood of the 25-year-old exiting Liverpool in the summer, due to the financial loss the club could make:

> A number of people say to me, ‘they need to just get rid of Keita, forget it, it’s not going to happen for him.’

> But, that’s easier said than done because how much of a financial hit are you going to take then, because, he’s the one major signing of Klopp’s reign, that arguably isn’t worth now anywhere near what Liverpool actually paid for him.

> I think you’d be lucky to get half that if you were trying to cash in your chips.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

There is no doubt that Keita has been a little underwhelming at Anfield, both in terms of injuries and form, but he still has plenty to offer.

If he can just stay fit, he is a hugely effective midfielder both on and off the ball, averaging an [89.9 percent](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/243510/Show/Naby-Keita) pass completion rate in the Premier League this season and averaging [1.1 tackles and interceptions apiece](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/243510/Show/Naby-Keita).

Keita also has the highest points per game average (2.59) for Liverpool since 2018, as per Simon Brundish ([@SimonBrundish](https://twitter.com/SimonBrundish/status/1358745234738405379?s=20)) on Twitter, showing how influential he is when he starts.

If he continues to be injury-plagued next season, Klopp may have to cut his losses.