After 8 years at Liverpool star to leave Anfield

Liverpool academy winger Kai Morrall has confirmed his departure after eight years at the club.

Liverpool academy winger Kai Morrall has announced his departure from the club after eight years, with a move to Leeds United reportedly close to completion.

Naby Keïta: How His €60m Liverpool Transfer Made Him Guinea’s Most Expensive Footballer

The 15-year-old prospect confirmed the news in an emotional post on social media, bringing an end to his long association with the Reds’ youth system.

What Morrall said

He said, “After 8 years at Liverpool, it is time for me to say goodbye. I would like to thank all the staff and the coaches who helped me develop into a better player and a person.”

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Morrall also reflected on the personal connections he made during his time at Liverpool, highlighting the friendships and experiences gained throughout his development.

“I will miss the memories and friends I made along the way; however, I am looking forward to starting a new chapter and hopefully more things to come,” he added.

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The winger joined Liverpool at a young age and has been part of the club’s academy setup for the majority of his footballing journey so far.

Morrall is expected to complete his transfer to Leeds United in the coming weeks, with the January window set to facilitate the move.

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As he is under the age threshold for a professional transfer fee, Leeds will pay Liverpool a minor compensation sum for his development.

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Keïta Liverpool transfer

FOOTBALLNaby Keïta: How His €60m Liverpool Transfer Made Him Guinea’s Most Expensive Footballer

Naby Keïta: How His €60m Liverpool Transfer Made Him Guinea’s Most Expensive Footballer

Stephen Oladehinde • 15:27 – 15.12.2025

Naby Keïta became Guinea’s most expensive player in history following his big-money move to Liverpool a few years ago.

The agreement struck in 2017 for Keïta to join Liverpool, completed in July 2018 for a transfer fee that ultimately reached around €60 million, was a monumental moment for African football.

The Keïta Liverpool transfer not only secured one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders for Jürgen Klopp but also confirmed Keïta’s status as Guinea’s most expensive footballer in history.

This article takes a look at the Guinean captain’s career, tracing his rapid rise through the Red Bull football clubs and his successful, if somewhat hampered by injuries, time at Anfield.

Keïta’s record-setting transfer

Liverpool’s deal to bring Naby Keïta over from RB Leipzig was very unique following the negotiation of the transfer.

They triggered his fixed €48 million release clause but also agreed to pay a bonus, which depended on where RB Leipzig finished in the 2017–18 Bundesliga season.

Since Leipzig qualified for the Europa League, the final fee rose to approximately €60 million, as reported by BBC, making the Naby Keïta Liverpool transfer one of the most expensive in the club’s history at the time.

His transfer entered the list of the top 20 most expensive African football Transfers in history.

Liverpool sign Naby Keita in 2018 || Liverpool F

The significance of the Keïta Liverpool transfer

The huge amount of money involved in the deal really confirmed Keïta as a top example of Guinean football talent internationally.

Liverpool really splashed the cash on this guy, highlighting their big investment in a player known for his energetic, box-to-box midfield style.

There were huge expectations for the Guinean international right from the start, especially since he took on the iconic number 8 shirt, which club legend Steven Gerrard used to wear.

However, his journey was cut short by a series of injuries, but he was still able to show a glimpse of his quality on the ball in some games.

Keita in action for Liverpool || Imago

Keita’s club career

Keïta began his professional journey in France before flourishing in Austria and Germany, establishing the reputation that led to his move to England.

Salzburg and Leipzig domination

After a season in the French second division with FC Istres, Keïta moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2014. In Austria, he secured back-to-back league and cup doubles.

His superb performances earned him a move to sister club RB Leipzig in 2016, where he became a Bundesliga star and earned a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

It was this success that triggered the interest of the Reds, leading to a Keïta Liverpool transfer and a big-money move.

Keita’s Liverpool and European glory

During his five seasons at Anfield (2018–2023), Keïta enjoyed a period of immense team success despite struggling with recurring injury problems.

He was a key squad member as Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League in his debut season (2018–19) and ended the club’s 30-year wait for a league title by winning the Premier League in 2020.

He also added the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Cup to his collection.

During his five seasons at Liverpool FC, from 2018 to 2023, Naby Keïta made a total of 129 appearances and scored 11 goals across all competitions. Seven of these 11 goals were scored in the Premier League.

Keita wins Premier League with Liverpool || Liverpool FC

Keita’s career challenges

The ex-Liverpool star faced some challenges during his career, most especially injuries that kept him out for a long time.

He left Liverpool in 2023 on a free transfer after five years and then joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.

His time there was difficult due to ongoing fitness issues and a brief period of internal suspension.

In 2025, he joined Hungarian side Ferencvárosi TC on loan, where he secured another domestic league title.

Naby Keita in the colour of Werder Bremen || Imago

Keïta’s international career with Guinea

Keïta is a national hero in Guinea, captaining the national team, Syli National. He has been the team’s leader and creative force since making his international debut in 2012.

He has represented Guinea at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, leading them to the quarter-finals in 2021.

Keïta’s leadership and dedication have proven essential to the national team, despite Guinea’s modest achievements in World Cup qualification.

His significance was further highlighted when he was selected as the country’s flag bearer for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

His consistency and dedication earned him Guinea’s Footballer of the Year award in both 2015 and 2021.

Naby Keita in action for Guinea| Imago

Keita’s style of play

Keïta is celebrated for his relentless energy, technical skill, and versatility in the central midfield role.

He excels at breaking up opposition play and rapidly turning defence into attack with dynamic carries and incisive passes.

When fully fit, he operates as a box-to-box midfielder, equally capable of disrupting opponents and initiating complex attacking moves.

Keïta has won major honours across three different countries, showcasing his consistency at a high level.