Liverpool transfer news: Reds agree three-year deal for star once hailed as world’s third best player

Posted by

Liverpool are reportedly in advanced talks over a new contract for popular full-back Jon Flanagan.

The local lad endeared himself to the Kop with a series of outstanding performances as the Reds fell just short of the Premier League title under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers in the 2013-14 season.

He then suffered a serious knee injury which sidelined him for 20 months. Flanagan returned in January, and picked up where he left off on his Premier League return in the 3-0 win over Manchester City.

That performance was so impressive that he briefly placed third in WhoScored’s reputable average ratings system, which ranks the best-performing footballers on the planet over a campaign.

SEE MORE: You won’t believe who WhoScored think the 3rd best player in the world is!

Despite his cult hero status among the Anfield faithful, and his apparently world-class standing in the game, Liverpool have been slow out of the blocks with a new contract for the 23-year-old defender.

But the Liverpool Echo reports that Jurgen Klopp sees Flanagan as key to Liverpool’s future, and the player is expected to sign a new three-year deal with his beloved boyhood club on Friday.

Flanagan, whose current contract on Merseyside expires in the summer, has made 47 senior appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2013, and made his England bow against Ecuador in 2014.

He has spoken of his desire to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Carragher and stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career, so this development will be a relief to Flanagan, as well as the fans who love him.

The bad news for Flanagan is that he has plummeted to a lowly 141st in WhoScored’s average player ratings after his outing in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. We’re not sure he’ll be too bothered!

SEE ALSO:
Liverpool should be aiming higher than scouted midfielder who can’t get a game at Udinese
Twitter reacts to England squad announcement: Spurs & Liverpool fans brick it
Man United “murderers” chant was disgusting, English football is poisonous, but Liverpool fans responded brilliantly

More Stories Jon Flanagan