Naby Keita, once a standout signing for SV Werder Bremen from Liverpool, faced setbacks due to injuries and a controversial suspension after refusing to board a team bus. Following a tumultuous season with limited play, he is now training with the amateur squad. Acknowledging his desire for more playing time and a future beyond Bremen, Keita maintains his commitment to professionalism and is eager to potentially transition back to competitive football. His contract extends until summer 2026.
Naby Keita’s journey with SV Werder Bremen has been turbulent since his arrival, marked by injury struggles and a recent suspension. However, he is now back in training, seeking redemption from his difficult situation.
The midfielder, who joined Werder Bremen after his notable tenure at Liverpool FC, faced a challenging initiation. After transferring to the Weser, he found himself sidelined due to recurring injuries, playing a mere five matches for the club. A defining moment came at the end of last season when he declined to board the bus for an away game against Bayer Leverkusen, leading to a suspension from the professional squad by coach Ole Werner. With no summer transfer materializing, Keita is currently training with the club’s amateur team while looking ahead to potential winter opportunities.
Sporting director Clemens Fritz emphasized the necessity of this training arrangement, stating, “It’s crucial for Naby to be involved with a team,” while clarifying that a return to the first team isn’t on the table for now. He highlighted that the focus is on finding a solution in the upcoming winter transfer window, as Keita’s contract extends until the summer of 2026.
‘Everyone Makes Mistakes’
Emerging from this challenging period, Keita expressed his desire to discuss the bus incident eventually. “I’m a professional and not someone who lacks discipline,” he told the Guardian, reinforcing his commitment to the team. He also publicly apologized to his teammates before the last season ended, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes.
Keita has voiced his dissatisfaction with how he was treated during his time at the club. “I could have remained at Liverpool, but after five years, I sought more playtime. Though I had several offers, I chose Bremen because of my familiarity with Germany and my belief in the coach and management. Although I transferred on a free, I made just five Bundesliga appearances with a total of 107 minutes on the field.”
‘Injuries Are Part of the Game’
During his five years at Liverpool, where he won titles like the Champions League under Jürgen Klopp, Keita faced numerous injuries that limited his appearances to 49. “I aimed to participate in every match, but injuries thwarted those goals,” he reflected, acknowledging the unpredictability of a footballer’s career.
Currently, Keita is focused on training with the U23 squad, inspiring younger talent while keeping his ambitions alive. “I’m in training mode, eager for what the future holds. When I feel my body can’t keep up, I will step away, but right now, I’m feeling great and have several productive years ahead in football,” he stated confidently.