Naby Keïta Joins Werder Bremen from Liverpool on a Surprising Free Transfer

Naby Keïta makes a surprising return to the Bundesliga. The midfielder’s free transfer from Liverpool to Werder Bremen is perfect. This was announced by the SVW on Friday.

Keïta is said to have signed a contract on the Weser that runs until 2026. “I understand that many people are wondering why I’m making the move from Liverpool to Werder Bremen,” said the 28-year-old in an interview with his new club: “When I spoke to the coach and the sporting director, they told me about it project of the club. After that, I gave it a lot of thought – also with my family”.

“In the end I had to make a decision and I chose Werder Bremen,” summed up Keïta, who previously played for RB Leipzig in Germany’s top division from 2016 to 2018.

“It’s obvious that there are many interested parties when a player like Naby Keïta is on the market on a free transfer. That’s why we’re very happy that Naby chose us despite several offers and that we were able to convince him of Werder. He will be a great asset to the team with his qualities,” said Clemens Fritz, head of scouting and professional football at Werder.

Coach Ole Werner said: “Naby is a midfielder who plays and runs well and who makes us much more flexible. He emits a goal threat from midfield, but is also a good preparer. For our squad he is an important building block in our central axis. In Last year he played in the Champions League final and brings a lot of international experience to the team, which will benefit us as a team. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Werder Bremen sign Naby Keita from Liverpool

Keïta’s contract with the Reds expired. In recent weeks he has been traded as a newcomer to several clubs, including BVB.

The Guinea national team captain joined Istres FC from Horoya AC in 2013, his first stop in Europe. In 2014 Red Bull Salzburg signed him for 1.5 million euros. In 2016 he went to RB Leipzig for almost 30 million euros before Liverpool signed him two years later for 60 million euros.

Due to multiple injuries, Keïta only made 13 appearances for team manager Jürgen Klopp’s team last season. He remained without a scorer point.