Liverpool offer defender new long-term contract as exit talks begin
Liverpool are desperate to keep their best young talents at Anfield, but some may be tempted to leave as they look to climb the ladder.
The Reds have already been hit by the crushing blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold announcing his impending exit, and they will hope that this does not set a precedent within their academy.
Liverpool are already looking at defenders to strengthen their back line this summer, and could need extra options as Alexander-Arnold may not be the only exit.
Jarell Quansah has now been linked with a move away, but a young centre-back could already be next in line at the AXA Training Centre.
Liverpool offer contract to Wellity Lucky
One of the brightest defensive talents in the Liverpool academy is teenage centre-back Wellity Lucky, who has impressed at youth level.
The 19-year-old has been with the Reds since he was 13, and the Zaragoza-born sensation can also play at right-back, like Quansah.
The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and is already attracting interest from clubs in Spain and Germany, but Liverpool are now desperate to keep him.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool have offered Lucky a new contract, in the hope that he will stay at Anfield.
| Quansah stats | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Games played | 34 | 25 |
| Starts | 27 | 13 |
| Minutes played | 2,584 | 1290 |
With negotiations underway over a possible exit too, the Reds have offered a long-term new four-year deal to keep him on Merseyside.
Lucky could replace Quansah in Liverpool squad
Liverpool want to sign another centre-back to offer more depth at the back, but this would relegate Quansah to become the potential fifth-choice option for Arne Slot.
Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are options in the middle, and if another one joins, Quansah may push for an exit, with interest already building.
If Liverpool can keep Lucky on their books with a new contract, he could step up as an internal replacement for Quansah, given their similarities in profile.
This could see the teenager play in the domestic cups next season, but Liverpool would have to convince him to reject other offers where he may be promised more game time.