Naby Keita, the Guinean international midfielder, has joined Hungarian side Ferencváros on a one-year loan with an option to buy.
The transfer marks a critical turning point for the 29-year-old, who had struggled for form and opportunities at Werder Bremen.
Behind the scenes, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played a pivotal role in facilitating the move.
Keita, who boasts 56 caps and 11 goals for Guinea, was sidelined at Werder Bremen, where his stint had come to an impasse.
📣 ANNOUNCEMENT!
The CL winner former Liverpool player Naby Keita has signed with Ferencváros! ✍️💚 pic.twitter.com/nd6w1Fa03q— Ferencvárosi TC (@Fradi_HU) December 10, 2024
Seeking a fresh start, Ferencváros opened negotiations months ago, and according to the club’s sporting director Tamas Hajnal, Klopp’s glowing endorsement of Keita was instrumental in sealing the deal.
Negotiations started two or three months ago, and I also spoke on the phone with Jürgen Klopp, Hajnal revealed.
His former coach said extremely positive things about him. According to Klopp, he is a world-class player when he is healthy.
Klopp’s admiration for Keita dates back to their time at Liverpool, where the midfielder showcased moments of brilliance despite being hampered by injuries.
Reflecting on Keita’s departure from Liverpool, Klopp had previously lauded his ability, stating, “Naby is an exceptional footballer.
What a player he is! Maybe one or two too many injuries just stopped him from making the leap. At his peak, he is world class, without a shadow of a doubt.
The recommendation from Klopp extended beyond Keita’s on-field talent.
Questions had been raised about the player’s professionalism following a refusal to travel with Werder Bremen for a match, an incident that effectively ended his tenure with the German club.
However, Klopp’s testimony dispelled any lingering doubts about Keita’s character.
𝐋𝐞 𝐫𝐨̂𝐥𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐞́ 𝐩𝐚𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐩 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐚̀ 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐬
🎙️ « Les négociations ont commencé il y a deux ou trois mois et j’ai également parlé au téléphone avec Jürgen Klopp. Son ancien… pic.twitter.com/YtioNZg8Od
— F⚽⚽T224.COM (@FOOT_224) December 13, 2024
Klopp found nothing to criticize about his personality, which also convinced us of his commitment, Hajnal added.
For Ferencváros, Keita represents a high-stakes gamble.
Despite his undeniable talent, the midfielder’s career has been plagued by recurring injuries that have stunted his progress.
The Budapest-based club is betting on Keita’s ability to rediscover his best form, aided by the faith placed in him by one of football’s most respected managers.
The move offers Keita a fresh start and a chance to prove himself at a new level.
For Klopp, who remains a close observer of his former player’s journey, it is an opportunity for Keita to vindicate the trust and praise bestowed upon him.
The coming months will determine whether this transfer becomes a story of redemption for the gifted midfielder.
