Official: Jon Flanagan Signs Three-Year Deal

Jon Flanagan's future at the club has been finally sorted out after it emerged that the fullback had agreed a three-year deal to keep him at the club until 2019. There were signs that a deal was imminent, but confirmation is usually more of a relief than well-informed reports.

There were some worries that Liverpool might let the youth product go after club captain Jordan Henderson urged the club to secure Flanagan's future on Merseyside. Like club legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Flanagan is a local lad and represents a connection to the area. However, Liverpool isn't a charity for players. Flanagan deserves a chance to stake his claim in the months and seasons ahead now that he is fully fit. His role in a surprise title challenge in 2013/14 has not been forgotten despite 18 months or so of injury troubles.

"It’s brilliant – it’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a child," the Scouser told the official site. "I think this is my third professional contract with Liverpool now, so I’m really happy. I’ve been through a lot in the last two years with the injury, and maybe a few people thought my future was in doubt, but I’ve worked hard and this is a bonus at the end of it.I think to just keep progressing and hopefully play as many games from now until the end of the season, get a little run going and hopefully stay in the side. And then push on."

Jürgen Klopp played a vital role in ensuring that a new contract was agreed, which naturally earned the gratitude of the young defender. He won't be part of the Europa League campaign but is available for Premier League action as Raheem Sterling discovered early on when Liverpool dismissed Manchester City at Anfied. With Alberto Moreno an injury doubt, Nathaniel Clyne sometimes overburdened, and Brad Smith eager but inexperienced, Jon Flanagan will be needed as Liverpool push for European qualification via a league finish.