It has been anything but a happy return to Germany for Naby Keita since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The Guinean midfielder, who was once the Reds' most expensive signing after agreeing a deal to join from RB Leipzig in 2017, left Anfield to join Bundesliga side Werder Bremen after the expiration of his contract at Anfield.

After the first half of his return season to the Bundesliga was plagued by injuries, the second half of the campaign has been equally as disappointing for Keita and stooped to a new low on Sunday afternoon after he was absent from Bremen's Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen at the Bay Arena.

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According to the club's managing director, Clemens Fritz, Keita opted not to travel with the rest of the Bremen squad after learning that he would not be in the starting XI.

Whatever the reason behind Keita's admission though, it doesn't make the midfielder's below-par return to the Bundesliga, which has resulted in just five appearances for the club since signing a three-year deal last July, any better.

However, the Guinea international isn't the only ex-Liverpool man to endure a nightmare 2023/24 season after leaving Anfield.

Premier League and Champions League-winning stalwarts Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have all endured nightmare stints in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Anfield to join Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Ettifaq respectively.

The England international, who spent five years at Anfield after signing from Arsenal in 2017, has made 15 league appearances for the Black Eagles this term, scoring four goals and laying on one assist as Besiktas look to push for a Champions League place in the final weeks of the season.

Arguably the most successful of all of the summer departures from Anfield has been veteran midfielder James Milner, who is proving to be an integral cog for Brighton & Hove Albion both on and off the field.

The former England international has made 15 appearances for Roberto De Zerbi's side this season across all competitions, including five in the Europa League as the Seagulls reached the round-of-16 stage for the first time in their history.

Milner's deal on the southcoast expires in June, but he is just 19 games of equalling Gareth Barry's record for the most appearances in the Premier League.
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