Jurgen Klopp’s decision to name Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita on the bench for the Champions League final back in May is the “root cause” for his reluctance to sign a new contract, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Writing in his column for Anfield Watch, Bailey says the midfielder did not take too kindly to being left out of the starting lineup and, combined with interest from other teams, it has led to him delaying talks over a contract extension:

Latest column for @AnfieldWatch on Naby Keita’s Liverpool future https://t.co/6ayPDyyQdO

— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) November 15, 2022

Bailey is the reporter who claimed last month that Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all keeping tabs on Keita’s situation. Many questioned the links at the time due to the player’s extremely poor injury record.

However, Bailey has doubled down on his reporting, stating that the player’s availability on a free transfer still makes him a very attractive target, with the three London clubs considering him as a potential squad player.

Considering the Guinean international would have the same role if he remained at Anfield, it could well be the case that the player will leave England entirely next summer, and move to a team in Europe who can guarantee him first team football.