Liverpool's expiring contracts: Keep or release?

Liverpool have enjoyed a fine start to their rebuild under Jurgen Klopp. They lead the Premier League table and talk of another quadruple charge is already bubbling.

The Reds are looking ahead to a bright future with a new core of young stars, while they began the process of waving goodbye to their older generation over the last couple of summers.

There are three senior players whose contracts at Anfield expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. What should Liverpool's decisions be?

Thiago Alcantara

Alright, be honest - how many times this season have you found yourself going 'oh yeah, Thiago Alcantara still plays for Liverpool'?

The midfielder has been sidelined all campaign long with a hip injury, but it's not as if Klopp and co have particularly missed him.

There's a vibrant new generation of midfielders making waves on Merseyside and there's little to no point in keeping Thiago around, particularly with his patchy fitness record (which was a questionable fit with Klopp's style in the first place).

90min reported on Thursday he could be targeted in the summer again by Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Verdict: RELEASE

Joel Matip

Poor Joel Matip has had his season ended by an ACL injury and there's half a chance he has played his final game in a Liverpool shirt.

But there's worth in keeping the Cameroonian around, even if only for one more year. Ibrahima Konate is a frequent visitor to the treatment table and Liverpool have been linked with various young centre-backs. It wouldn't hurt to have Matip stay on in a limited capacity.

Like Thiago, Matip is a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia, but he could enjoy a cushy role at Anfield helping Liverpool bring through their next imposing defender, whoever that may be.

Verdict: KEEP

Adrian

Considering the future of backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is uncertain, it's not a cut-and-dry decision that Adrian's Liverpool contract could be allowed to simply run out.

Every club needs that experienced head as the deputy to the deputy, the loveable uncle with great vibes. It's become almost tradition in modern football.

At the age of 37, the question might fall on Adrian himself. Does he want to keep going into work or retire? It wouldn't be the worst thing for him to stick around for one more year, particularly if Liverpool have to dip into the transfer market for a new understudy to Alisson.

Verdict: KEEP

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