Naby Keita leaves Liverpool to signal with Werder Bremen

Midfielder Naby Keïta is leaving Liverpool on a free switch to maneuver to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, the German membership stated Friday.

Keïta leaves Liverpool after 5 years with a staff which gained each main prize in English soccer with the Premier League in 2020, the Champions League the yr earlier than and the FA Cup and League Cup as soon as every.

It’s a return to Germany for the Guinean, who beforehand performed for Leipzig for 2 years earlier than becoming a member of Liverpool in 2018. He solely managed 13 video games for Liverpool this season, partially due to a collection of accidents.

“I’m really excited for my new challenge here in Bremen,” Keïta stated in a membership assertion, including that “this club and its philosophy will be a good match for me, so this is the right step for my career.”

It’s a shock signing for Bremen, which positioned thirteenth in its first season again within the Bundesliga after promotion and described the deal as a “transfer coup.” The four-time German champion hasn’t reached any European competitors because the 2010-11 season.

Much might rely on Keïta’s health as accidents usually hampered his time at Liverpool. Keïta managed solely 129 video games for Jürgen Klopp’s staff. After enjoying 25 Premier League video games in his first season, he by no means managed as many in any of the next campaigns.

Keïta singled out coach Ole Werner, who signed a contract extension Tuesday, for serving to to persuade him to maneuver to Bremen.