Liverpool Transfer News: Wisdom signs a new contract

Liverpool moved quickly to seal an extension on the contract of Andre Wisdom, the exciting 18-year old centre back after having acquired the signature of right-back Glen Johnson on an extension to his contract.

Liverpool's exciting young centre-back remains part of King Kenny's plans

Liverpool’s Director of Football Damien Comolli said:

“We are delighted. He made fantastic progress last season. He was here at Melwood with the first team for a few weeks to a month towards the end of last season and he did really well in training and was involved with the first team.

“He also did really well with the reserves. He’s got great potential and a great future ahead of him.

“Andre is another player who is versatile. He can play, is good on the ball, intelligent and physically very strong. He has all the ingredients to be a top defender.”

With King Kenny at helm, there has been tremendous spur in the confidence of the youth and reserve team players, as they are well aware of the fact that the legendary Scot is seldom shy to give them a chance, if he deems them fit for the role. The inclusion of Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson and Shelvey as an integral part of the first-team squad; bears testimony to Kenny’s belief in youth, especially home-grown.

Such has been the progress of the well-built centre back, he was made the Reserves’ skipper for the last campaign and handed two first-team opportunities, although he is yet to make his debut.

“We have shown for a while that if young players are good enough they will be rewarded,” added Comolli.

“I told him when he signed it is just a step. It’s an achievement in a way, but he should not just sit on this contract and wait to see what happens – he should show that he is hungry and wants to keep progressing.

“We know he is very young and that his position at centre-half is very difficult to break into in the first team because of the responsibilities of the position, but Andre has all the qualities and skills to get there.”

On being asked about the influence of King Kenny on the youngsters, Comolli was quick to point out the great impact our gaffer has had on the youngsters.

“I think it is massive for the young players. They are coming here (to Melwood) with confidence. Kenny has got a way of saying the right thing at the right time to them, boosting their confidence and making sure they’re relaxed, whether it’s in a game or a training session.

“For players like Andre, he saw what happened last season with Jack Robinson, Jonathan Flanagan and Jay Spearing, so he must be thinking he could be the next one – and that’s what we are pushing him to do.”

Well, Liverpool are making rapid strides now on the transfer front and are wrapping up contract extensions as well. As we all say, in Kenny, we trust!