Jordon Ibe has signed a new long term deal with Liverpool, and Jon Flanagan will continue his recuperation at the reds after signing an extension.
Flanagan has missed the whole of the season through injury and isn't expected to return until the new year. His contract with the reds was due to expire this summer but Liverpool have shown faith that the talented youngster can overcome his injury nightmare.
19 year old Ibe commits his long term future to the reds. The Englishman spent the first half of the season on loan at Derby before returning to the Liverpool fold when he was told he would be given opportunities to play. And he has been given plenty and impressed enough for the reds to offer him a new deal.
Speaking after signing his new deal Ibe said:
"I'm over the moon. It's something I've been looking forward to. I've spoken to the gaffer and I'm happy it's over and done with. Now I just want to kick on into next season, as well as the last game of this one.
"Liverpool are a great club and I like the philosophy here. I'm enjoying it - I've just been brought into the first team and I've enjoyed the games I've played in. Hopefully I can just keep doing well at the club.
"I have been given the chance to play quite a few games and I've enjoyed it. As I said, I just want to take that into pre-season and then next season, continuing with how it's been since I've been back here."
There was praise also from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers:
"He has thoroughly deserved it.
"He is a young kid that has got a lot of potential; he still has a lot of work to do to become that consistent performer at the top level, but there's no doubting his potential and he has really grown and developed over the course of the last season.
Brendan also reflected on the deal with Flanagan:
"All the medics are saying that he's going to come back stronger and healthier. That's the most important thing.
"He has got a long road ahead of him over the next four to six months but I'm sure he'll get his rewards at the end of that.
"We're hoping that he can get back fit within the next year; it has been a long journey for him this last 18 months and in particular the last year of injury. Hopefully he can get back fit and get back into the team."
Great news Ibe will replace Raheem in my team all year round. As for Flanno we need his no nonsense approach to the game