Richard Hughes close to ENORMOUS contract U-turn for defender | OneFootball

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a decisive one for certain Liverpool stars. We could see Ibrahima Konate move for example - with the Frenchman out of contract at the end of the season.

Aged only 26, the centre-back remains at the peak of his powers but if no agreement is reached he will be walking out the door for nothing.

Real Madrid are reported to be keen on adding the France international as a high-profile Bosman transfer - albeit they are currently concerned by his loss of form.

But Konate is not the only Liverpool star out of contract in 2026. Liverpool could ALSO lose Andy Robertson - their long-serving left-back who has been at the club since 2017.

Andy Robertson loses his place to Kerkez

Robbo, 31, has been there and done it for Liverpool throughout the Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot years - winning two Premier Leagues, the Champions League and multiple other honours.

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But things have taken a turn for the Scotsman in the last few months. Having had to share duties a lot more with Kostas Tsimikas last season, Robertson then saw sporting director Richard Hughes splash out over £40m for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

The Hungarian initially took Robertson’s place in the team - but it’s fair to say the Scot has fought back keenly. Far from being a reserve, Robbo has featured in two Premier League games to this point as well as one in the Champions League.

Robertson fights back

It is by no means time to write off the left-back - who came close to joining Atletico Madrid last summer. In fact, there remains the possibility that Liverpool will complete a contract U-turn and offer Robertson a new deal before his current contract is up.

That’s according to a new report in Rousing the Kop, which claims that if Robertson hits a certain number of appearances this season then his term at Anfield is likely to be extended.

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Robbo told how to get an extension

“If he’s playing a key part after the turn of the year then he’ll likely get an extension,” reads a report.

“If he’s playing 40 games, they’ll do him again.

“If we get to the end of the season and he’s barely featuring, he’ll probably go. I don’t think he’s desperate to get out, but we’ll see what kind of part he’s got to play.”

Robertson is now a club vice-captain with Arne Slot leaning on his leadership and experience. He has been at the club since 2017 - joining from Hull City for around £8m in what will go down as one of the Merseysiders’ greatest ever transfers.