Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool Have Offered Defender a Four-Year Contract | OneFootball

Liverpool Move to Secure Starlet Wellity Lucky Amid European Interest

In a proactive step that highlights Liverpool’s ongoing commitment to youth development and squad planning, the club has reportedly offered a new four-year deal to promising centre-back Wellity Lucky. As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, “Liverpool are trying to keep” the highly rated 19-year-old, while “clubs in Spain and Germany are also in negotiations trying to sign him.”

This move arrives at a critical juncture, with Lucky’s current contract set to expire this summer. It’s clear that Liverpool, now under the stewardship of Premier League-winning manager Arne Slot, are eager not only to build for the immediate future but also to safeguard the club’s long-term defensive depth.

Contract Talks Reflect Liverpool’s Strategic Planning

The Reds are not only focused on external transfers but are also doubling down on internal contract renewals. According to L’Équipe, the club is prioritising a new deal for Ibrahima Konaté, whose current contract runs until 2026. Despite earlier negotiations failing to meet expectations, fresh talks are expected to resume in the coming weeks. Konaté is reportedly seeking a wage bump to £200,000 per week, matching Liverpool’s top earners like Alisson.

This emphasis on securing current talent mirrors the club’s approach with Wellity Lucky. While Konaté’s case concerns an established first-team regular, Lucky’s contract offer signals belief in a player still making his way through the ranks but showing all the signs of a breakout.

Who Is Wellity Lucky?

Born in Zaragoza to Nigerian parents, Lucky has been with the Reds since joining at U13 level. Over the years, he has emerged as one of the standout performers in the academy system. After signing his first professional contract in April 2023, Lucky continued to impress this season with the U21s in Premier League 2 and the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.

Crucially, Lucky was called up to train with the senior team ahead of a Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven, a testament to the confidence Arne Slot and his staff have in the youngster’s potential.

His technical ability, positional intelligence, and calmness under pressure have drawn praise from club insiders. It is no surprise that European sides, particularly from Spain and Germany, are monitoring his situation closely. The race is on for Liverpool to finalise this deal before they lose a future first-team option on a free.

Liverpool’s Youth Policy Under Arne Slot

Arne Slot’s Premier League title win in his debut season is already legendary, but his philosophy extends beyond immediate results. Slot has placed great emphasis on the integration of youth into the first-team environment. This aligns with Liverpool’s longstanding club ethos — nurturing homegrown talents and giving them a path to senior football.

Photo: IMAGO

In that context, Lucky’s renewal becomes more than just another contract. It symbolises the merging of tradition and progression at Anfield. With a solid first-team defence already in place, including Konaté, Van Dijk, and Gomez, Lucky has the perfect setting to learn, develop, and eventually contribute at the top level.

Competition Across Europe Adds Urgency

The external interest in Lucky isn’t mere speculation. Romano’s mention of ongoing negotiations from Spanish and German clubs suggests that Liverpool must act quickly and decisively. The club’s swift offer of a four-year contract shows they’re keenly aware of the growing reputation the defender has cultivated.

If Lucky were to depart, it would not only be a blow to the academy’s talent retention but could also reflect poorly on Liverpool’s ability to convert youth prospects into first-team assets. Securing his future would signal to other young stars that their development will be rewarded with opportunity.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is the kind of news that gets Reds fans buzzing. Lucky may not yet be a household name, but those who follow the academy know how much promise he holds. The fact that he’s attracting attention from top clubs in Spain and Germany speaks volumes — and let’s be honest, we’ve seen what happens when we let talented youth slip away too easily.

With Arne Slot now in charge and already lifting the Premier League title in his debut campaign, there’s a new sense of purpose at Anfield. Lucky’s development under Slot could mirror the journeys of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Curtis Jones, both of whom emerged from the academy to play key roles.

This four-year deal, if signed, will be celebrated like a new signing by those who understand how critical it is to have long-term depth, especially in defence. Lucky has already been in first-team training, and with the amount of football played across four competitions, he may well get minutes sooner rather than later. The future at Anfield doesn’t just look bright, it looks solid at the back.