A Liverpool forward has signed a new contract.
While Liverpool have been getting ready for the start of the new campaign, the backroom staff have been busy ensuring their future is on solid ground.
We’ve already seen Georginio Wijnaldum enters into positive contract talks, and while that is a priority, work has continued behind the scenes on other players.
Liverpool are in a fantastic position. With a 25 point lead at the top of the Premier League, a new sponsorship deal with Nike and massive infrastructure improves in the works, this is a forward thinking club who are primed for success.
The majority of the squad are in their prime and tied to long-term deals that reflect their importance to the unit and protect their value.
Now, another name can be added to that list.
January signing Joe Hardy was brought in from Brentford after failing to make the grade with the Bees, but Liverpool see something in him and have upgraded his deal.
More from Rush The Kop
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
- Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
The club reported that the forward, who made his first appearance for the senior side in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury, has been given a new contract. The details haven’t been specified.
With 11 goals in just 18 Premier League U18 games, Joe Hardy is clearly a cut above that level and scored seven goals for Liverpool in just two months.
COVID-19 has stalled that development, but it’s clear that Academy staff see something in the 21-year-old.
New rules relating to how many substitutes each side can use in the remaining Premier League games may allow Hardy a chance to impress Jurgen Klopp in the league.
There will certainly be more opportunity for Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, but can Joe Hardy join that group and make a name for himself?
There’s only one way to find out.