“There’s More at Stake” – Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards Facing Serious Liverpool Questions | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Contract Decisions: Beyond Konaté, There’s More at Stake

The news emerging from Anfield indicates significant progress on renewing Ibrahima Konaté’s contract, a move that seems both sensible and necessary for Liverpool. Konaté has been gradually overcoming injury setbacks, showcasing solid performances at the back when fit. The French centre-back is an essential part of Liverpool’s defensive core, and keeping him tied down is crucial to the club’s long-term plans.

As Fabrizio Romano reported: “Liverpool are confident to complete agreement on a new deal with Ibrahima Konaté soon as talks are now progressing well. He’s expected to sign new contract after Quansah, as a crucial part of club’s project and really appreciated by Arne Slot.”

Photo: IMAGO

However, as much as the Konaté renewal is a significant positive for the club, Liverpool must not lose sight of other crucial contract issues on the horizon. There are many more decisions looming beyond the big three.

Konaté’s Renewal: A Vital Piece of Business

Securing Konaté’s signature on a new contract is undoubtedly a smart decision. At 25, the French defender has the potential to become a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk as a defensive leader. His athleticism, strength, and tactical intelligence have been on full display when fit, and Liverpool will hope his injury woes are behind him. Still, Liverpool’s success depends on more than just locking down star players like Konaté. Squad depth, rotational players, and key backup options also need attention, and the clock is ticking for several of those within the current squad.

Goalkeeper Uncertainty: Jaros and Kelleher on the Clock

Much of the contract talk at Liverpool revolves around outfield players, but it’s crucial not to overlook the goalkeeping situation. While Alisson Becker remains the club’s first choice, the players behind him in the pecking order face uncertain futures. To be honest there’s are still a few questions about the Brazilian stopper too.

Photo: IMAGO

Vítězslav Jaros, a promising young goalkeeper, will see his contract expire at the end of this season. While he hasn’t yet established himself within the first-team setup, Liverpool must make a decision on whether to extend his deal or allow him to move on. More pressing, perhaps, is Caoimhín Kelleher. The talented Irish goalkeeper has proven himself as a reliable deputy to Alisson, but with just one year left on his contract come summer, his long-term future anppears anway from the club. Kelleher may well seek first-team opportunities elsewhere, and Liverpool will need to determine whether they can retain him or risk losing him and having to recruit a new backup option. They can’t hold out for a set fee or risk losing him for nothing.

Given the pending arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, the club’s goalkeeping future across the board is far from settled.

Andy Robertson: Is His Time Running Out?

Andy Robertson is another key player whose future needs addressing. The Scottish left-back, long a stalwart in Jurgen Klopp’s team and now a starter bit with rotation under Slot, finds himself more frequently rotated with Kostas Tsimikas. With his contract set to expire in 2026, Liverpool faces a decision: offer a new deal to a player approaching his 30s, or allow him to leave on a free transfer.

Photo: IMAGO

Robertson’s contribution over the years has been immense, but with Tsimikas improving and potentially edging towards becoming the first choice, there’s a real chance Liverpool could let Robertson’s contract run down. It wouldn’t be the first time Liverpool have allowed a veteran player to leave for free, especially with an eye on developing younger talents like Chambers, Scanlon as future full-back options. Many wanted to see a left sided defender added this summer and that likely won’t change here.

Supporting Slot: Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards’ Crucial Roles

If Arne Slot is indeed to continue to build, he will rely heavily on the expertise of Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director. Hughes will be responsible for managing these contract renewals and ensuring the squad is built with a view towards long-term success. However, Hughes won’t be working alone. Michael Edwards, who now heads up FSG’s football operations, is reportedly providing support in these key decisions. Edwards’ experience and strategic insight could prove invaluable, as the club works to secure the futures of its current stars and potential stars alike.

X: @FrancoisPlateau

This team will have to juggle multiple priorities. On one hand, extending contracts like Konaté’s and ensuring the long-term future of key players is vital, but on the other, they’ll need to assess the wider squad to keep Liverpool competitive across all fronts. The focus cannot remain solely on the stars; squad depth is equally essential, particularly in a season where injuries can easily derail a team’s fortunes. Oh yeah, the three superstars leaving on a free at the end of the season as it stands.

Huge To-Do List

While Konaté’s contract renewal is an important step for Liverpool, it’s only one of many issues that need to be resolved. The future of squad members like Jaros, Kelleher, and Robertson must also be decided one way or another as part of a broader squad strategy. With Richard Hughes leading the charge as sporting director, and Michael Edwards lending his expertise in support, Liverpool seems to have the leadership in place to handle these challenges. However, it’s clear that much more work lies ahead. It’s not just about locking down the big names—decisions need to be made to ensure the club is ready for future challenges on all fronts.