The futures of Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson hang in the balance, as the veterans attempt to agree to new contracts with Liverpool.
Manager Brendan Rodgers updated the media Monday on the status of contract talks between Gerrard, Johnson and the club. Gerrard and Johnson are among Liverpool’s top earners, and both are on expiring contracts. Rodgers said Liverpool has offered Gerrard a new deal but revealed that discussions with Johnson remain at the preliminary stage.
“Firstly, in terms of where it is at with the club, the latest is that with Steven, his representatives and the club, he has been offered a contract here,” Rodgers said at a press conference, according to LiverpoolFC.com. “It’s a big move, not just in his life in terms of committing where his next contract is going to be, and he needs to be given that time and respect to look at that.”
Gerrard, 34, has spent his entire career at Liverpool and has captained the club since 2001. Gerrard said last month that Liverpool would decide whether he continues at Anfield or opens a new chapter in his career elsewhere. Rodgers insists he wants Gerrard to remain at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Johnson, 30, said Monday that he wants to play where he feels appreciated.
“I want to play for a club that wants me,” Johnson said. “I am not going to go crawling to anybody. The club know where I am and they know the situation. There were minor talks at the end of last season but nothing I could accept or reject.”
Rodgers called signing Johnson to a new contract “a priority” in March, but he measured his tone Monday, confirming that there currently is no offer on the table for Johnson.
“I had a conversation with Glen only the other week and said irrespective of where it is at, it’s in the best interests of him just to keep his focus, his concentration and keep working well,” Rodgers said.
Time will tell if these are the final months of both players’ illustrious careers at Liverpool.
Report: Gerrard, Liverpool to open contract talks >>
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
