Keita leaves Liverpool, signs surprise deal with Werder Bremen

Guinean footballer, Naby Keita has joined German top-flight side Werder Bremen following the expiration of his contract at English club, Liverpool.

Keita, who had already announced his departure from Liverpool, has signed a three-year contract with Werder Bremen, extending until 2026.

According to reports, the 28-year-old has taken a considerable wage cut, agreeing to earn €1.5 million per year with additional bonuses. Keita’s return to the Bundesliga marks a reunion with the league where he previously showcased his talents with RB Leipzig.

Keita’s time at Liverpool was marred by struggles to make an impact under Jurgen Klopp, and injuries further hindered his progress.

The Guinean midfielder managed only eight appearances in the Premier League in the just-concluded season, leaving him as a symbol of unfulfilled potential. Nevertheless, he boasts an impressive trophy collection, having secured the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, each on one occasion.

In truth, Keita’s move to Bremen is something of a surprise. Relegated from the Bundesliga in 2021, they secured an immediate return before finishing 13th in their first year back in the top-flight, three points above the relegation play-off place.

Clemens Fritz, head of scouting and professional football at Werder Bremen said;

“A number of clubs are obviously going to be interested when a player like Keita is available on a free transfer.

“He suffered an injury setback at the start of this season and that meant he didn’t play as often as he’d have liked to. We now want to get him back to his best.”

Es ist wirklich wahr: Der SV Werder verpflichtet Naby #Keïta. ✍️

Der 28-jährige Mittelfeldspieler wechselt ablösefrei vom @LFC an die Weser 👉

Herzlich Willkommen, Naby! 💚#Werder pic.twitter.com/QDKQOKq4Kh

— SV Werder Bremen (@werderbremen) June 9, 2023

Keita joined Liverpool for £48 million in the summer of 2017. He played out the 2017-18 season in Germany with RB Leipzig before arriving on Merseyside the following campaign.

The 28-year-old, who was the first player to wear Liverpool’s No 8 shirt after Steven Gerrard, went on to feature 129 times in five seasons for the Reds, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists.