Liverpool are reportedly hoping to agree a contract extension with Naby Keita

Liverpool are hoping to agree a contract extension with midfielder Naby Keita, according to The Athletic's James Pearce, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account.

The Reds signed the Guinea international from RB Leipzig for a transfer fee of £54 million back in the summer of 2018.

However, Keita has struggled to get going at Anfield because of injuries. The midfielder has only scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in 116 appearances for Liverpool's first-team.

Despite that being the case, the club would reportedly like to offer Keita a new contract.

Anfield Watch Verdict

I can see why Liverpool would like to agree new terms with Keita. The reality is, he is a good footballer. The aforementioned footage backs up that argument.

Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk has even labelled Keita as "world-class" in the past.

“I’m just very happy for Naby,” the Dutchman told the club's official website back in July 2020.

“Naby is a fantastic guy, he works so hard and he is an outstanding football player. We see it week in and week out. He has unfortunately been unlucky with some injuries, but hopefully he can stay fully fit for the next season.

“I think he is world-class, if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball, the smart moves, the smart intelligence. It’s just incredible to see and I’m very happy for him.”

If Keita does sign a new deal, hopefully he can kick on and show us why the club signed him for such a hefty fee.

There is no denying that he has the potential to be a very good Premier League midfielder.

But, potential only gets you so far in the game. Keita can be successful at Liverpool. He is surrounded by good coaches and superb teammates.

Keita just needs a bit of luck in terms of his form and fitness.