A number of Liverpool players’ contracts will be running out next summer and Brendan Rodgers will have a decision to make: does he give them an extension or release them? I’ve tried assessing the situation to give Rodgers a hand.
Jose Enrique
The Spanish left-back has been struggling with a series of injuries and Alberto Moreno’s arrival hasn’t helped his chances of returning to first team football. There are some clubs reported to be interested in him but if those moves don’t surface, then he should be released.
Jon Flanagan
Flanagan has been unfortunate with a couple of serious knee injuries. He has been given a new contract so he can through his rehabilitation at Melwood and who can forget that 2013-14 season when he became a fan favourite. Competent on both sides, he can provide adequate cover for Nathaniel Clyne and Moreno so for that reason we should give him another extension.
Rickie Lambert
Lambert secured his fairytale move back to Liverpool from Southampton last summer. But his career at Liverpool never really took off as he scored a mere three goals last season. He did reject a move to Aston Villa in January despite the two clubs agreeing a fee but if he was in the same situation again, he would probably accept a move. It’s hard to see him feature in Rodgers’ plans: released.
Javier Manquillo (loan)
Manquillo’s two-year loan expires next summer and Liverpool have the option of making the move permanent. He barely featured in the latter half of the season but when he did play, he produced assured, disciplined performances.
The 21-year-old will probably be back-up to Clyne but he has time on his side and would be a good option to have on the bench. In his case, give him an extension (make his move permanent).
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel is yet to agree a new contract with the club and has spoken negatively about the one offered to him. I’m not his biggest fan but he has been ever-present in the back line. But there are youngsters in Tiago Ilori, Andre Wisdom and Joe Gomez all vying for his place so for that reason I think he should be released.
Kolo Toure
Toure is another player who has recently extended his contract but his one-year extension will conclude next summer. By then he would be 35, and may be time for him to move on. Released.
Samed Yesil
Yesil joined from Bayer Leverkusen as a highly-rated striker. Unfortunately for him he has suffered from a number of serious injuries which has plagued his progress. He has recovered now and featured for the Under-21s towards the end of last season and showed glimpses of his potential. A loan move to a Turkish club has been reported so it may be wise to see how he does there before making the next move. On the other hand, Liverpool are strengthening their strike force which could see his playing time even more limited, so for that reason he should be released.
