Accept back-up role or leave, Richard Hughes tells £160k p/w star

Liverpool have got a couple of big players out of contract at the end of the current season.

Ibrahima Konate, 26, will become a free agent if no new deal is agreed - with the French defender thought to be keen on a move to Real Madrid. His departure would be a sizeable blow - following a £35m arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021.

Andy Robertson, meanwhile, is also out of contract at the end of the season. Having joined the club all the way back in 2017 for £8m from Hull City the Scotland captain has gone on to establish himself as an all-time Liverpool great.

But the 32-year-old has now lost his starting status - with sporting director Richard Hughes completing a £40m deal to sign left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last summer.

Robertson linked with Liverpool exit

Robertson was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham in the winter window - while Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid is also thought to be a fan.

The Scottish captain is facing a crucial decision therefore - with it widely being accepted that he will bid farewell to Anfield at the end of the season. But there is a window opening to Robertson STAYING on Merseyside beyond the end of his current deal.

Football Insider is reporting that Robbo’s future is now in his own hands and that he can stay at the club if he accepts his role as a back-up.

Accept back-up role or leave

“The Reds have decided to let the veteran control his own destiny in terms of his future,” the report reads.

“Robertson could yet remain part of Liverpool’s plans for next season if he is content with the idea of being a squad player again next term.”

No doubt Robertson still has plenty to offer - and could probably be a first-team player at a lot of other clubs. He has demonstrated when given the chance - most recently at Wolves in the FA Cup - that he can still be a big player for the Reds.

His presence provides cover and competition for Kerkez with the Hungarian international taking his time to settle in his new surroundings.

It’ll be interesting to see how Robertson responds to Liverpool’s latest contract play - especially if it comes with a pay cut. He is making around £160k per week - excessive for a reserve - and may well have to accept lesser terms to stay.

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