When it comes to renewing the contracts of players over the age of 30, Liverpool faces a dilemma that many top football clubs grapple with. The decline in performance that often accompanies the aging process can make contract decisions challenging, especially for players who rely on speed and physicality.
However, history shows that not all players follow this expected trajectory. Recent examples at Liverpool suggest that, in some cases, players in their 30s can continue to perform at an elite level, proving their worth well beyond the typical age curve.
Here, we delve into the last 10 players aged 30 and above who signed contract extensions with Liverpool and explore how their careers panned out following their new deals.
1. Adrian (2023)
In June 2023, Liverpool confirmed the renewal of Adrian’s contract, making him a part of the squad for one final season. The 36-year-old goalkeeper had previously only appeared once during the 2022-23 season, playing a role in Liverpool’s victory in the Community Shield.
Despite being third in the pecking order, Adrian’s contract was extended, though he made no further appearances that season. After his time at Liverpool, the veteran keeper returned to Real Betis, where he became their first-choice goalkeeper for the UEFA Conference League, albeit serving as a backup domestically.
2. Mohamed Salah (2022)
Perhaps the most noteworthy renewal in recent years was that of Mohamed Salah. In 2022, at 30 years old, Salah secured a lucrative new contract, making him Liverpool’s highest-paid player. The £350,000-per-week deal, which runs until 2025, was a significant investment for the club.
Salah has more than justified this commitment, scoring 30 goals in the 2022-23 season, 25 goals in 2023-24, and already having 18 by Christmas 2024. Beyond his goal-scoring feats, Salah helped Liverpool win both the Community Shield and Carabao Cup, adding to his ever-growing collection of individual accolades.
3. James Milner (2022)
James Milner, one of Liverpool’s most reliable servants over the years, earned a contract extension at the age of 36. Renowned for his versatility and leadership, Milner was a key figure in the squad, making 43 appearances during the 2022-23 season.
However, as his minutes dwindled, it became apparent that the veteran was in the twilight of his career at Liverpool. After being released in 2023, Milner joined Brighton, ending an eight-year spell at Anfield, during which he earned respect for his professionalism and contribution to Liverpool’s successes, including their Premier League title in 2019-20.
4. Jordan Henderson (2021)
Jordan Henderson, Liverpool’s captain since 2015, also secured a new deal in 2021, committing his future to the club for several more years. At 31, Henderson had been an integral part of Liverpool’s midfield, lifting numerous trophies, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in 2022.
Despite his continued leadership and consistent performances, his influence began to wane in subsequent seasons. In 2023, Henderson made the move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, following a £12 million transfer to join his former teammate, Steven Gerrard, marking the end of his long association with Liverpool.
5. Virgil van Dijk (2021)
Virgil van Dijk, regarded as one of the world’s best centre-backs, was another player to extend his stay at Liverpool past the age of 30. Having joined from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk became a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense, helping them win the Champions League, Premier League, and other domestic honors.
After suffering a serious ACL injury in 2020, Van Dijk was offered a four-year contract extension in August 2021, just after his 30th birthday. Since then, he has maintained his high level of performance, adding the FA Cup and EFL Cup to his collection. Now 33, Van Dijk remains a key figure in Liverpool’s defense and is currently serving as the club’s captain.
6. Adrian (2021)
Another renewal for Adrian came in 2021 when the veteran goalkeeper signed an extension to stay with Liverpool for another season. At the time, Adrian was primarily the second-choice goalkeeper, though he was soon overtaken by young prodigy Caoimhin Kelleher.
His contributions in the subsequent season were minimal, with Adrian only making a solitary appearance. Despite this, Liverpool kept him on the books for another year before he ultimately left in 2023, returning to Real Betis.
7. James Milner (2019)
A few years earlier, in December 2019, Milner signed another contract extension with Liverpool, this time at 34 years old. Despite his advancing years, Milner continued to perform admirably in multiple roles for Liverpool, often playing a crucial part in their midfield and helping the club secure the Premier League title in the 2019-20 season. However, his role gradually diminished as younger players came into the fold. He would go on to serve as vice-captain for the remainder of his time at Anfield, before leaving in 2023.
8. Martin Skrtel (2015)
Martin Skrtel’s time at Liverpool spanned nearly a decade, but his last contract renewal came in 2015, at the age of 30. Skrtel, once a key defender for the club, had helped secure several important trophies, including the League Cup and the 2014 PFA Team of the Year.
However, after signing a new three-year deal, Skrtel found his role lessened under new manager Jürgen Klopp. He eventually left Liverpool in 2016, with the club opting to sell him to Fenerbahce, where he would go on to play for a further few years.
9. Kolo Touré (2015)
Kolo Touré, another veteran defender, signed a new contract with Liverpool in 2015 at the age of 34. The Ivorian had joined Liverpool in 2013 on a two-year deal, contributing significantly in the early years of his contract.
After signing an extension, Touré’s involvement in the first team diminished, though he remained a reliable squad player. In 2016, after a season under Klopp, Touré left Liverpool and went on to join Celtic, reuniting with former manager Brendan Rodgers.
10. Steven Gerrard (2013)
Lastly, Liverpool’s legendary captain Steven Gerrard extended his stay with the club in 2013, at 33 years old. Having already accumulated over 630 appearances for the club, Gerrard was a towering figure in Liverpool’s midfield.
His leadership during the 2013-14 season almost guided Liverpool to their first Premier League title. However, after signing the new deal, Gerrard’s game time began to decrease, and he eventually left the club in 2015, opting to finish his career in MLS with LA Galaxy. Gerrard’s departure marked the end of an era for Liverpool, but his influence on the club remains undeniable.
The journey of Liverpool players who have signed contract extensions in their 30s reveals the delicate balance between experience and the inevitable decline that age brings. While some players, such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, have continued to perform at a world-class level well into their 30s, others like James Milner and Kolo Touré have seen their roles gradually diminish.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s recent approach to aging stars has been a mix of rewarding loyalty and leadership while also acknowledging the need for fresh talent. As the club moves forward, the decision to extend the contracts of players in their 30s will remain one of the more intriguing aspects of their squad management.
