Two mainstays of the Liverpool team that precede Jurgen Klopp’s reign have limited time on their contract, Divock Origi and James Milner.
Both men have a certain ‘cult hero’ status about them, particularly the Belgian following his Champions League exploits, but the question is what happens next?
In the vice-captain, it does appear as though the club are grooming him into becoming a member of staff as he has been pictured several times amongst the coaches when he is injured or unable to play.
That is another issue with the 35-year-old, he has been picking up quite a few injuries in the past few seasons and that has reduced his game time and often when he is needed most.
Versatility is a key part of the Leeds lad’s game, we’ve all become more than accustomed to seeing him in either full-back position and anywhere in the midfield.
Losing him would be huge, not just within the dressing room as a leader but covering so many different positions when called upon would be a massive void within the squad.
He’s now played more games for us than any other team in his career but time is no longer on his side, he turns 36 in January and despite him not looking or playing like someone in their mid-thirties – time is running out.
If the former England international wants to emulate former heroes like Billy Liddell who played until he was 38, no one would put it past him due to the amazing physical condition he has kept himself in, but there won’t be many more deals on the table for him should he want to do that.
Seeing as the club looking to be teaching him to coach, maybe a player-coach deal would work best with the option to play when needed through injury.
It certainly would be an unusual deal but would make the most of his leadership and experience, whilst also lightening the load on youngsters like Neco Williams and Harvey Elliott should they need a rest.
Hopefully this summer doesn’t end the Milner and Liverpool relationship.
As for our No.27; well, we all know what he’s done for us and what he continues to do.
His last appearance saw a brilliant goal in a defeat to West Ham and his numbers this season have been very impressive.
Despite this though, he is often overlooked or mocked by some supporters who would like to see him out of the club as soon as possible.
With AFCON approaching in January, we will be without Mo Salah and Sadio Mane so it seems nonsensical to sell the former Lille attacker in the next transfer window, particularly with the small fee we would receive for someone with only six months on their contract.
There aren’t many better players who could fulfill his role in our squad, knowing that whatever performance he has will only ever end in being benched at the next opportunity the rest of the front line are fit.
Anyone any better than the 26-year-old would only cause distress in the squad if they were challenging the front three for game time and becoming upset with a lack of minutes on the pitch.
It’s a fine balance on this one as both parties have done a lot for the other and we will need him this season.
He’s found his way back into the Belgian squad and should be in the prime of his career, maybe allowing a free transfer in the summer would allow him access to larger wages and the club the opportunity to find a replacement before the start of next season.
There’s no right or wrong answer with these two players though, there can’t be too much upset if either stay, or anger if they or the club want to end the deal.
The only solution that perhaps wouldn’t make sense would be a January departure due to the lack of options in both positions, unless it sees better players come into the squad.
Whatever happens though, it seems likely at least one of the two longest serving players in the team will be leaving this summer and we owe a lot to both of them for their tremendous service to our club.
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