Ex-Liverpool midfielder to face 'consequences' after walking out on new club

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is set to face punishment after refusing to play in Werder Bremen's fixture against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

The 29-year-old moved back to the Bundesliga after departing Liverpool in the summer of 2023, and has made five appearances so far this season. However, he chose not to travel to Leverkusen after finding out he would not start the match.

His decision has faced public criticism from those at the club and now he is set to face 'consequences' for his actions.

Bremen director Clemens Fritz said: "Naby Keita found out that he would not be playing versus Leverkusen from the start, he decided not to get on the bus and to go home. We'll talk to Keita and his agent about the consequences and how to proceed."

The midfielder has struggled through his debut campaign with Bremen, having played just 106 minutes due to injury. He returned from his last injury in March and has since received two substitute appearances in Bremen's last five matches.

But Keita decided against travelling with his teammates for their trip over to Leverkusen. The game ultimately confirmed Leverkusen's first-ever Bundesliga title, running out 5-0 winners against Bremen.

Keita joined Liverpool in 2018 in a €65m move from RB Leipzig - an agreement that was reached one year prior - and played through five seasons in the Premier League. He was allowed to leave on a free transfer after an underwhelming stint in Merseyside, while Liverpool rebuilt their midfield last summer with the additions of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Life back in the Bundesliga hasn't been overly successful for the Guinea international so far either, with his newest punishment still yet to be revealed.

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