Liverpool and Juventus enter swap deal talks with Rabiot and Keita

Cameron Smith

30 Jun 2022 16:01 CDT
3 min read

Adrien Rabiot, Juventus, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Liverpool and Juventus have reportedly entered talks over a swap deal involving Adrien Rabiot and Naby Keita.

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Rabiot and Keita, both 27, will become free agents next summer as things stand, as their contracts at Juventus and Liverpool respectively come to an end on 30 June 2023.

While Rabiot featured in 32 Serie A games last season, the Frenchman has been linked with a move away as Juventus look to bolster and refresh the options available to Massimiliano Allegri in midfield.

On the other hand, Keita has failed to establish himself as first-choice throughout his time at Anfield, with Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho often the midfield trio used by Jurgen Klopp last season.

The Reds have been linked with multiple midfield reinforcements, with James Milner and Henderson both ageing, and Thiago still suffering injury concerns. Jude Bellingham has been a long-term target, but a deal seems unlikely until 2023 at the earliest, while Aurelien Tchouameni opted to join Real Madrid despite Liverpool interest.

Swap deal on the cards?

Calciomercato have reported that Juventus are looking to offload Rabiot this summer, fully aware the Frenchman will become a free agent next year.

© ProShots - Naby Keita joined Liverpool in 2018

The report also details that Liverpool and Juventus are thinking about a swap deal involving Rabiot and Keita, with both clubs keen to offload their player before their contract expires next summer.

According to Calciomercato, Juventus may even try to work Robert Firmino's name into the conversation for a swap deal, as they are keen to replace the output lost by Paulo Dybala.

However, it's unknown whether Liverpool would entertain such an offer given the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.