Centre-Backs
Prediction: Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, New Signing 3 (Rod Fanni), Andre Wisdom
Who’s Staying: Skrtel’s contract expires at the end of next season but he is widely expected to commit to a new deal, according to the The Guardian. Mamadou Sakho has impressed this season and will compete with Dejan Lovren, who has been much improved recently, for the second centre back spot. Andre Wisdom will return from his loan spell and should be retained as back-up, with the view of bringing him through where possible.
Who’s Going: Kolo Toure is out of contract and is unlikely to be retained. The veteran defender is well past his prime and would serve little purpose if he were to sign an extension. It’s also hard to see futures for the likes of Sebastian Coates or Tiago Ilori, who have struggled with their respective loan deals.
Who’s Needed: An experienced defender who can take over the ‘Toure role’. We have a very youthful squad and we should not underestimate the influence of these so-called older players. Rod Fanni from Marseille is a versatile option who could also fill in at right-back when needed. He’d be a bit-part player but could do a job when called upon. He’s been linked with us by The Guardian among others.
