Naby Keita's tough stint at Werder Bremen might be taking a turn for the better as Ferencvaros offers him a chance to revive his career.
The midfielder, who joined Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer of 2023, had a tough time on Merseyside too, with injuries limiting him to just 49 Premier League starts over five years. Keita's return to the Bundesliga didn't go as planned, failing to secure a regular spot in the Bremen squad.
Last season saw Keita make only five Bundesliga appearances, with a solitary start. This season has been even more disappointing, with Keita being excluded from the first-team frame after coach Ole Herner advised him to seek a new club.
Herner recently remarked: "I believe that it's best for both sides to simply look ahead and into the future, to see what good solutions Naby can find for himself and what solutions we can find without him."
It seems Keita may have stumbled upon a solution just in time for the January transfer window. Bild reports that Keita is set to join Hungarian champions Ferencvaros on loan next month, with the deal potentially including an option to buy and expected to be wrapped up within the two to three days.
After being relegated to training with the youth team this season and suspended by the club last year for refusing to travel to an away game, this could be the fresh start Keita needs.
Keita has struggled at Werder Bremen
Keita has struggled at Werder Bremen (Image: Getty Images)
Keita faced repercussions after his unsanctioned departure upon learning he wasn't in the starting lineup for the clash with Bayer Leverkusen. Dealt a hefty fine, Bremen's sporting director Clemens Fritz made it clear that Keita's actions wouldn't fly.
"We won't tolerate Naby's behaviour," said Fritz. "He let his team down in a time of difficulty surrounding our recent run of form and squad availability and put his own interests above those of the team.
"We can't allow that. At this stage of the season, we need full focus on the remaining games and a team who stick together. That's why we've been left with no alternative."
Keita himself has been open about his frustration over limited game time, as he expressed to The Guardian last October: "I had the option of extending my stay at Liverpool but, after five years, I wanted to get more playing time elsewhere.
"I was also convinced by what the coach and management at Bremen had to say. Unfortunately, things haven't gone according to plan. A lot of people say to me: 'Naby, you're injured, why don't you want to play for Bremen?' I say: 'No, I'm fine'.
"Since I came back from the Africa Cup of Nations [in February], all I've wanted to do is play for the fans and the club. But it's not up to me. The club decided to put me with the under-23s. I'm training with them and helping the youngsters while I wait for the wheels to turn."