Naby Keita has joined Werder Bremen on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract.
The Guinean joined the Reds from RB Leipzig in a £52.75m deal in the summer of 2018. But while he won every major honour at Anfield, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side win the Champions League and Premier League in successive seasons, injuries ultimately derailed his Liverpool career as he was limited to 129 appearances.
"I’m really excited for my new challenge here in Bremen," Keita told the club after his move was confirmed. "I was impressed by what the club told me about the setup here and Werder’s style of play.
"The coach gave me a really good feeling and showed how I can help the team. Werder is a special club and I know the Weserstadion from my time with Leipzig. This club and its philosophy will be a good match for me, so this is the right step for my career."
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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.
As a result, Werder Bremen were delighted to be able to convince Keita to return to Germany and join the club after leaving Liverpool.
"A number of clubs are obviously going to be interested when a player like Naby Keita is available on a free transfer,” said Clemens Fritz, Head of Scouting and Professional Football at Werder Bremen. “We’re therefore really pleased that Naby has decided to join Werder, despite several other offers.
"His qualities will massively strengthen our team. We obviously know Naby from his time previously in the Bundesliga and have kept an eye on his career in the Premier League.
“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."
Head coach Ole Werner added: "Naby is a technically gifted and hard-running midfielder, who will provide us with lots more flexibility. He is dangerous in front of goal and can also provide assists too. He will be an important figure in the centre of the pitch for our squad.
"He played in a Champions League final last year and has so much experience on the international stage, which our team will only benefit from. I’m really looking forward to working with him."
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