:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46331972/GettyImages-472955416.0.jpg)
Whether Raheem Sterling has a Liverpool future or not may still be an open question as the season winds to a close, but reports have another promising youngster set to sign a five-year deal to remove any doubts about his. Widespread reports suggest that the club have agreed a deal in principle with 19-year-old Jordon Ibe, and that the young attacker intends to sign it within the week.
This is exceptionally good news for the club, who began negotiations with Ibe and his stepfather, who represents the promising youngster, a few weeks ago. Ibe's current deal had two years remaining on it, but after a successful loan spell with Derby County to start the year and a series of promising cameos following his January return to Liverpool, an improved and extended deal quickly became a priority. Earlier this week, Ibe revealed that he doesn't have an agent as he trusts his family when making decisions. There have been many success stories in football where family members have functioned as key players in shaping successful careers in football, and then there's the cautionary tale of the Ince family.
Ibe moved to Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers in 2012 after becoming the Football League side's youngest debutant and goalscorer at just 15 years of age, and after a few successful seasons with the youth and reserve sides headed out on loans to Birmingham City and Derby. The young winger will be expected to remain in the first team mix at Liverpool next season. This underlines the options Brendan Rodgers can call upon in support of a functional striker or two in the quest to improve on this season's virtually assured fifth-placed finish in the English Premier League.
The futures of Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan haven't been resolved just yet, though one case seems far more straightforward than the other, but Liverpool have secured the ongoing services of a number of important members of the first-team squad including Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho. Martin Skrtel's contract negotiations should also be extended once a compromise is reached on appearance clauses, but some players whose contracts are expiring this summer are likely to move on.
If a striker of quality can be found to combine with the likes of Ibe, Liverpool may be able to make improvements next season. Thankfully, it looks like the club will be the home of one of the Premier League's brightest attacking talents.
