When Naby Keita left Liverpool, few could have predicted just how far he would fall off the radar.
Once a highly sought-after midfielder, his recent move from Werder Bremen to Ferencvaros in January barely made a ripple in the football world.
A Promising Start That Fizzled Out
Back in 2018, Liverpool secured Keita for around £50 million, eager to add a dynamic presence to their midfield after coming so close to Champions League glory.
His arrival was met with excitement, given his impressive performances within the Red Bull system.
However, injuries repeatedly derailed his progress at Anfield.
What started as an exciting chapter soon turned into a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
As competition for midfield spots intensified, Keita found himself slipping down the pecking order.
By the end of the 2022-23 season, he left on a free transfer, his time at Liverpool largely viewed as a disappointment.
A Fresh Start That Never Materialized
Keita opted to join Werder Bremen, emphasizing that he prioritized regular playing time over financial gain.
However, his stint in Germany didn’t pan out as expected.
Across 18 months, he managed just five appearances, totaling a mere 107 minutes on the pitch.
Things took a turn for the worse when he reportedly refused to board the team bus after learning he wouldn’t be in the starting XI.
That incident seemed to be the final straw, with Werder Bremen coach Ole Werner making it clear that Keita was no longer part of the club’s plans.
“We have always been fair and transparent with him,” Werner stated.
“At this point, it’s best for both parties to look ahead and find the right solutions.”
Keita’s Perspective on the Struggles
Despite the setback, Keita defended his professionalism.
Speaking to The Guardian in October, he acknowledged his lack of playing time at Liverpool and Bremen but insisted he remained committed.
“One day, we’ll talk about the bus incident,” he said.
“But everyone who knows me understands I am a professional.
I apologized to the team before last season ended because we are all human and make mistakes.”
A New Chapter in Hungary
Realizing he needed a reset, Keita secured a loan move to Hungarian powerhouse Ferencvaros in January.
Interestingly, the team is managed by former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane, adding another layer of intrigue to the transfer.
Werder Bremen’s sporting director, Clemens Fritz, confirmed that parting ways was inevitable.
“For us, it was clear that Keita would not play for Werder again.
This loan is the right step for both sides, and we wish him well in Hungary.”
A Humbling Start in the B Team
Ferencvaros, the dominant force in Hungarian football with six straight league titles, represents a fresh start for Keita, albeit not the glamorous path he likely envisioned.
However, his debut for the club came in an unexpected setting—playing for the B team.
Introduced as a second-half substitute against Tiszafured, Keita showcased glimpses of his old self.
The club’s post-match report praised his movement, passing, and control, suggesting that he could soon feature for the first team.
Even Robbie Keane was in attendance, watching Keita’s performance closely.
A Chance to Reignite His Career
Ferencvaros went on to win the match 4-1, and Keita will need to get used to that winning feeling at a club that dominates domestically.
More importantly, with the team still in the Europa League, he has a chance to prove he can still compete at a high level.
Werder Bremen has made it clear that there’s no way back for him in Germany, so Keita’s task is straightforward—impress at Ferencvaros and attract new opportunities.
He will be included in the squad for their upcoming clash against Viktoria Plzen, marking a potential return to a bigger stage sooner than many expected.
What’s Next for Keita?
At 30 years old, Keita still has time to rewrite the narrative of his career.
If he can stay fit and regain his best form, Ferencvaros might not just be a temporary stop—it could be his ticket to a resurgence.
Whether that leads to a permanent move or an audition for another club remains to be seen.
Either way, the next few months will be crucial for him to prove he still belongs at the top level.
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