Liverpool prepare double new contract talks for “world-class” star and £19k-p/w man

Liverpool is a club that never sleeps when it comes to football business, and once again, the Reds are moving with speed to protect their future. A storm of emotions is currently running through the club, from excitement about the present to deep worries about injuries, but also to a fresh determination to keep their best talents safe at Anfield for many years to come. News broke that Liverpool are preparing new contract talks for two of Arne Slot’s most important players, one of them already a world-class star and the other a homegrown gem currently on £19k-per-week. This development has set Anfield buzzing, with fans celebrating and debating what it means for the future of the Premier League champions.

But behind the smiles, there is also a shadow, because Giovanni Leoni, the young Italian defender who looked destined to write a dream story on his Anfield debut, has just suffered a devastating knee injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season. The clash of emotions — joy for new contracts, heartbreak for a promising star — has created a dramatic moment in Liverpool’s season.

When Giovanni Leoni, just 18 years old, signed for Liverpool from Parma during the summer, few outside Italy knew much about him. But those who had watched him said he was a defender with calmness far beyond his years, a footballer who played like an old master inside the body of a teenager. On Tuesday night, when he finally stepped out onto the Anfield pitch for the first time, the stadium roared with hope. For 80 minutes, Leoni played like a player who belonged. He looked fearless, composed, and gave Liverpool fans a reason to dream about the next Virgil van Dijk being groomed right before their eyes.

But in the 81st minute, disaster struck. The dream turned into a nightmare. Leoni went down clutching his knee, and the look on his face told the story before the doctors even arrived. The youngster had picked up a serious injury. Soon after, Liverpool confirmed that his season could already be over, even before it truly began.

The heartbreak was written across his own words. On social media, Leoni said: “I want to sincerely thank every single one who has shown me support in this difficult moment. It wasn’t the debut I had always dreamed of but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much.”

For a teenager, those words carried the weight of someone older. But the truth is painful: Liverpool will not be able to count on him this season, and Arne Slot is now left with only three senior centre-backs, one of them being Joe Gomez, who has a long history of injuries himself. In football, one injury can change everything, and now Slot knows he is only two injuries away from being forced into a defensive crisis.

It is in this fragile situation that Liverpool’s focus on contracts becomes even more important. The Reds know they cannot afford to let go of any stability, and that is why the club has decided to move quickly to tie down Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones, two players who represent both the present and the future.

Reports from Graeme Bailey of The Boot Room revealed that Liverpool are planning contract talks for both midfielders. Gravenberch, who has risen into one of the most important names in Arne Slot’s team, is set to be rewarded with a new deal well before his current one ends in 2028. Curtis Jones, on the other hand, is under contract until 2027, but with his wages still at £19,000 a week, it feels almost unfair considering how vital he has become. Liverpool are preparing to give him a pay rise that reflects his true value.

The idea is simple: Liverpool no longer want to wait until players are close to the end of their contracts before rewarding them. Instead, they want to move early, to secure their best talents and make sure no rival clubs can come sniffing around.

Bailey explained it clearly: “When it comes to Liverpool contracts, I think Curtis Jones will be sorted pretty soon. Ryan Gravenberch will be the next cab off the rank after that. They know they’ve got a potential world-class player on their hands. Previously, they’d been linked with the likes of Caicedo and others, but in Gravenberch, they believe they’ve got someone who, for his age, can hold a candle to anyone in world football. He’ll be dealt with very soon, too.”

This is a statement of belief, not just in Gravenberch, but in Liverpool’s direction as a club. Once upon a time, the Reds would look at the market, admire stars at other clubs, and wonder if they could compete. Now, they look at their own players and see the very same quality.

Ryan Gravenberch’s story at Liverpool is one of patience and transformation. When he arrived from Bayern Munich, many wondered if he could handle the physical demands of English football. At first, he looked like a luxury player, someone with skill but maybe not the grit for the Premier League. But under Arne Slot, everything has changed. Gravenberch has become the heartbeat of the midfield, mixing elegance with power, and turning into the kind of player that other clubs now envy. The Dutchman is no longer just a talented youngster — he is now being mentioned among the best midfielders in the world, and Liverpool know they cannot risk losing him.

Then there is Curtis Jones. If Gravenberch is the new jewel, Jones is the diamond that Anfield itself produced. A boyhood fan, a scouser, and a symbol of the academy’s success, Jones has been through ups and downs. There were seasons when injuries slowed him down, and many wondered if he would ever fully break into the first team. But every time he was doubted, he came back stronger. Now, under Slot, he has matured into a reliable midfielder who brings balance, energy, and leadership on the pitch. His connection with the fans is unique, and Liverpool know that his story is not just about football but also about identity. Raising his wages from £19k-per-week is more than just a reward; it is a sign that the club values its own children as much as the expensive signings.

For the fans, the news of contract talks brought a wave of hope, especially in the middle of the sadness around Leoni’s injury. On social media, supporters celebrated, calling it the kind of smart business that has kept Liverpool ahead of their rivals in recent years. “Tie them down before Madrid or City start knocking,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Gravenberch is a future Ballon d’Or contender if he stays here. Jones is our heart. Pay them both.”

It is true — both players have already earned their place in history as champions, and both have proven they can deliver at the highest level. By securing them now, Liverpool are not only protecting their present but also ensuring their long-term dominance.

The timing is also key. Liverpool are flying high at the top of the Premier League, five points clear after five straight wins. Slot’s men have started the season with fire, and the belief inside the squad is strong. Yet, football is cruel, and the injury to Leoni is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed. That is why keeping players happy and motivated with new contracts is so important. It builds trust, stability, and unity in a squad that dreams of not just winning the league but also going deep in the Champions League.

As Liverpool prepare for big games ahead — a Premier League battle with Crystal Palace, a Champions League trip to Galatasaray, and then a showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge — the news of contract talks adds another layer of excitement. It tells the players: you are valued, you are needed, you are part of something special.

Football is a game of moments. For Giovanni Leoni, his moment of heartbreak has come too soon, but his future is still bright. For Gravenberch and Jones, their moments are arriving now, in the form of recognition and reward. For Arne Slot, it is a moment to prove that he is not just a coach but also a builder of dynasties. And for Liverpool fans, it is another reminder that their club is not standing still but always moving forward.

In the end, this story is not just about contracts. It is about vision. Liverpool are building something bigger than one season, bigger than one trophy. They are shaping a future where world-class stars and homegrown heroes walk side by side, where young talents like Leoni can dream again after injury, and where the red shirt continues to mean power, pride, and passion.

For now, the stage is set. Giovanni Leoni will fight to return. Ryan Gravenberch will soon be rewarded as the world-class talent he is. Curtis Jones will finally be paid as the heartbeat of Anfield. And Liverpool will continue their march, determined to stay at the top, no matter what challenges come their way