Liverpool are running out of time to sort another key contract extension which isn't Ibrahima Konate - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool had to sort out the contract situations of important players last season, and next summer it will be no different.
During the Premier League title-winning season, the Reds had to sort out three contracts of players who had been integral to the club’s success over the years: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Fortunately for Arne Slot, Salah and Van Dijk decided to remain at the club, signing two-year contract extensions to see their careers flourish under Anfield’s bright lights.
It was unfortunate that Alexander-Arnold had to leave, but he did not want to be at the club and decided to join Real Madrid, with Liverpool now having two brilliant young right-backs in his place.
However, there will be an issue next season when the contract of Ibrahima Konate will be up, and with interest from Madrid mounting in recent months, there is a worry that he will be leaving Merseyside.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
There is, though, one other extension which is of the same, if not more, importance than Konate’s: vice captain Andy Robertson’s.
The Scotsman had a big interest from Atletico Madrid to join them this summer in Spain as Milos Kerkez came in to become the club’s first-choice left back.
But Robertson remained for this season, and it would be a bad idea for the club to let him go, even if he is coming towards the latter stages of his playing career.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Not only from a business standpoint would it be a hit to let him leave on a free, but with Kostas Tsimikas at Roma and likely to play fewer games with Kerkez settling into the role, it only makes sense to keep the 31-year-old for one more season at least.
What he offers on the left-hand side right now is good defensive cover, and at times, he can still have that burst of energy to drive the ball forward to create openings for the side.
Even more important is his experience, which is needed in the dressing room with new players still bedding into the club and the experienced player offering his expertise to his Hungarian counterpart – he is a personality needed in the backroom.
Why lose such a figure who knows the club, is adored by fans, and offers expertise on a free and not have him as a backup senior figure?
He may want a new challenger to end his career, but Liverpool have to offer him a fair deal and show why he is worth it to the club.
With the number of competitions starting to increase, the League Cup game against Southampton is the perfect setting for him to get his first start this season.
It is the right competition to do it as well because there is less of a focus on the Carabao Cup compared to competitions like the Champions League.
He could easily find himself being a regular starter in these games as he allows Kerkez to take up his position as the club’s new first-choice left back.
READ MORE: Liverpool fans have a lot to say about Milos Kerkez’s performance after surprise start vs Everton
As he is also the vice captain, it means an experienced voice leading a team that will be in this round, predominantly made up of youth players.
It is an opportunity for him to maintain his fitness levels and show the club he is deserving of one more year on Merseyside.