Sunderland ‘had interest’ in shock swoop for ex-Liverpool midfielder this summer

Sunderland reportedly wanted to sign Naby Keita this summer.

Sunderland expressed interest in signing former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita during the summer transfer window, but were unable to reach an agreement with the Guinean international, according to sources.

The Black Cats reinforced their engine room on deadline day with a loan deal for RC Lens star Salis Abdul Samed, after earlier strengthening in the centre of the field with the acquisition of Alan Browne on a free transfer.

According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, Regis Le Bris’ team was negotiating an unusual agreement to bring Keita back to England. On social media, the reporter said that Sunderland were interested in the 29-year-old but were unable to strike an agreement that would have convinced him to make the switch to Wearside.

Instead, Keita is in talks with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir over a potential move from Werder Bremen. The transfer market in Turkey does not end until September 13th, thus Keita has plenty of time to potentially leave the Bundesliga side.

The former Liverpool player has been in Germany since July, when he signed a free move from Anfield. He has, however, been troubled by injuries and suspension, making only five appearances for Bremen last season. During his tenure in England, Keita won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, as well as the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Club World Cup.

At the time, Clemens Fritz, Bremen’s head of professional football, stated, “As a club, we will not tolerate Naby’s attitude. He let his team down during a tough time due to our recent run of form and squad availability, putting his own interests ahead of the team’s. That is something we cannot allow. At this point in the season, we need a team that is focused on the remaining games and works well together. That’s why we’ve had no choice.”