Ex-Liverpool ace Naby Keita linked with move to Ferencvaros after disastrous spell with Werder Bremen

Naby Keita may be on the verge of a fresh start with Hungarian champions Ferencváros, following a disastrous stint with Werder Bremen.

The Guinean midfielder joined Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer of 2023, hoping to reignite his career after an underwhelming time on Merseyside.

Despite his early promise, injuries limited Keita to just 49 Premier League starts in five years, leaving many to question the value of the £52million Liverpool paid RB Leipzig for him in 2018.

Keita’s return to the Bundesliga, meant to revive his fortunes, has been equally disappointing.

Last season, he made only five league appearances for Bremen, starting just once.

This campaign has been even worse, as he finds himself completely sidelined from the first team.

Bremen head coach Ole Herner reportedly advised Keita to seek a move away, signalling that his time at the club was effectively over.

Herner said recently: “I believe that it’s best for both sides to simply look ahead and into the future, to see what good solutions Naby can find for himself and what solutions we can find without him.”

Now, as the January transfer window approaches, Keita appears to have found an escape route.

According to Bild, the 29-year-old is set to join Ferencváros on loan next month, with the deal potentially including a purchase option.

On Sunday, Keita was spotted in the stands watching a Ferencváros match, fueling speculation about the move.

The relationship between Keita and Bremen deteriorated significantly this season.

The midfielder was suspended last year after refusing to travel for an away match against Bayer Leverkusen upon learning he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

He returned home instead, prompting the club to fine him heavily.

Sporting director Clemens Fritz publicly criticized Keita, stating that his behavior would not be tolerated.

In recent months, Keita has been training with Bremen’s youth team, further highlighting his fall from grace.

A move to Ferencváros could offer him a chance to rebuild his career and rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents.

“We won’t tolerate Naby’s behaviour,” said Fritz.

“He let his team down in a time of difficulty surrounding our recent run of form and squad availability and put his own interests above those of the team.

“We can’t allow that. At this stage of the season, we need full focus on the remaining games and a team who stick together. That’s why we’ve been left with no alternative.”

Naby Keita has been candid about his frustrations regarding limited playing time.

Speaking to The Guardian in October, he said “I had the option of extending my stay at Liverpool but, after five years, I wanted to get more playing time elsewhere.”

“I was also convinced by what the coach and management at Bremen had to say. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone according to plan. A lot of people say to me: ‘Naby, you’re injured, why don’t you want to play for Bremen?’ I say: ‘No, I’m fine’.”

“Since I came back from the Africa Cup of Nations [in February], all I’ve wanted to do is play for the fans and the club. But it’s not up to me. The club decided to put me with the under-23s. I’m training with them and helping the youngsters while I wait for the wheels to turn.”

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