:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45520294/460459634.0.jpg)
Right back Glen Johnson, bothered by injuries but also caught in an extended period of poor form, hasn't featured for Liverpool since December 14th, which coincidentally was the last time the Reds lost a match. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, many believe that the 30-year-old will belong to a different club in a few months time. However, recent comments from Brendan Rodgers indicate that Johnson could stay at Liverpool after all.
"There is nothing new as yet but I am hopeful he will stay and hopeful that we can find a solution and keep him here," said Rodgers.
"Ian [Ayre, the chief executive] does an excellent job negotiating with the owners for what they want and what they require," he added. "Like every player, [Johnson] wants that security and for it to be sorted earlier than it is now but he also realises he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world with a team that is growing. He would want to be a part of that. I think he is more than happy to work with the club to find a solution for him to stay. He loves being here."
In regards to Johnson's skill set moving forward, Rodgers stressed that his experience was important to the team. "His game will maybe adapt over the coming years. He is not the marauding full-back of six, seven years ago but he is still a quality player with experience. He is one that we are looking to keep and, between the agent and the club, hopefully we can organise something."
Despite the talk from Rodgers, there's little indication that contract negotiations have actually progressed. He might want to keep Johnson's experience around, but it's far less likely that Johnson is interested in slashing his wages and accepting a reduced role at the club. Until reports surrounding actual negotiations materialize, this supposed deal will remain a long shot considering the standstill that both sides find themselves at.
