Liverpool have a potentially important contract situation developing at Anfield.
According to the latest contract information, 10 players are entering the final year of their current deals, meaning Liverpool face some big decisions over the next 12 months.
The list includes some of the most important players in the squad, as well as several players whose Liverpool futures are far less certain.
So, who should get a new contract and who should Liverpool allow to leave?
Alisson — NEW CONTRACT
For me, this is a no-brainer.
Alisson is still one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and Liverpool shouldn’t be thinking about replacing him simply because he’s 33.
Yes, his age means Liverpool need to plan for the future, but having a world-class goalkeeper around while Giorgi Mamardashvili develops is hugely valuable.
Give Alisson another deal.
Virgil van Dijk — NEW CONTRACT
Another obvious one.
Virgil will be 36 when his current contract expires, so Liverpool obviously need to consider his age and wages.
But you don’t allow one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history to walk away simply because he’s getting older.
If Van Dijk remains physically capable of playing at this level, I’d give him another contract — even if it’s a shorter one.
Liverpool need to start planning for life after him, but that doesn’t mean they need to lose him immediately.
Curtis Jones — LEAVE
This one appears to have already been decided.
With Inter reportedly closing in on a deal worth around €35m, Jones looks set to leave Liverpool after coming through the academy.
It’s disappointing because he’s a local lad and has plenty of ability.
But if Liverpool don’t believe he’s going to become a regular starter, selling him now rather than losing him for nothing next summer makes financial sense.
A sad one, but probably the right decision.
Joe Gomez — LEAVE
This is a difficult one.
At his best, Gomez is an incredibly useful player because he can cover centre-back and full-back.
But Liverpool have had too many issues with his availability.
With Jacquet, Araújo and other defensive options now providing greater depth, Liverpool could decide that it’s time to move on.
I’d probably allow Gomez to leave if the right offer arrives.
Wataru Endo — LEAVE
Endo has been a fantastic servant to Liverpool.
But at 33, and with Iraola looking to build a more energetic midfield, I don’t see the value in giving him another long-term contract.
Liverpool should be looking towards the future.
Thank him and move on.
Kostas Tsimikas — LEAVE
This is another decision I’d make quite easily.
Liverpool need competition for Milos Kerkez, and I don’t think Tsimikas provides enough to be the long-term answer at left-back.
If Liverpool can find a younger, more athletic alternative, I’d move Tsimikas on.
Harvey Elliott — NEW CONTRACT
This might be controversial.
Elliott’s Liverpool career hasn’t developed quite as many expected, but he’s still only 23.
He’s technically gifted, homegrown and capable of playing in midfield or attack.
I wouldn’t give him a huge contract without guarantees of regular football, but I’d certainly explore a new deal.
I’d give him another opportunity under Iraola before making a final decision.
Stefan Bajcetic — NEW CONTRACT / LOAN
This is a really interesting one.
Bajcetic is still only 21 and has already shown that he has the ability to play at Premier League level.
His biggest problem has been getting regular football and developing consistently.
I’d extend his contract and look for the right loan move.
Liverpool shouldn’t give up on him yet.
Calvin Ramsay — LEAVE
Unfortunately, Ramsay’s Liverpool career hasn’t really taken off.
Injuries and loan spells have prevented him from establishing himself at Anfield.
At 23, he needs regular football now.
I’d look for a permanent transfer that allows him to restart his career somewhere else.
Harvey Davies — NEW CONTRACT
This is another easy one for me.
Davies is still only 22 and has already signed a previous extension with Liverpool, but his continued development means I’d keep him around as part of the goalkeeper group.
Goalkeepers can develop later than outfield players, so there is no reason to give up on him yet.
My verdict
Player
My decision
Virgil van Dijk
🟢 New contract
Alisson
🟢 New contract
Curtis Jones
🔴 Leave
Joe Gomez
🔴 Leave
Wataru Endo
🔴 Leave
Kostas Tsimikas
🔴 Leave
Harvey Elliott
🟢 New contract
Stefan Bajcetic
🟢 New contract / loan
Calvin Ramsay
🔴 Leave
Harvey Davies
🟢 New contract
Liverpool could therefore potentially lose five players from this list while keeping five.
But the biggest decisions are undoubtedly Van Dijk and Alisson.
Those are two players Liverpool simply cannot replace easily.
And that’s why I wouldn’t wait until next summer to make those decisions.
Liverpool need to learn from the past
We’ve already seen Liverpool allow too many important players to enter the final year of their contracts before ultimately losing them or having to sell them for less than their true value.
With 10 players now in the final year, Liverpool have to be proactive.
Some should be moved on.
Some deserve new contracts.
And some, like Van Dijk and Alisson, deserve the opportunity to decide when their Liverpool careers come to an end.
Who would you keep and who would you sell?
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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