Steven Gerrard's contract has been a huge source of debate over the last few months. With the Liverpool midfielder reaching the twilight of his career, there have been varying opinions on how to use him and whether Liverpool should keep him. The skipper's contract runs out in June 2015, allowing him to speak to overseas clubs in January and possibly sign for one on a pre contract. Reports this week have suggested Liverpool have offered Gerrard a new one-year rolling contract, but should they have? And should he sign it? Here's a few reasons why he should, or shouldn't...
Talent - Few Liverpool fans will disagree that when on top form Steven Gerrard is still a superb midfielder that can change the balance of a game with one swing of the boot. He's arguably still the most talented individual in the Reds' side, but people have different views on how Gerrard should be used. Some still believe that he should be lining up starting every game, whilst some have taken the more rational idea that he is now a rotation player at best. The latter has been shown in recent weeks with Brendan Rodgers resting Gerrard and choosing to bring him on as a substitue if a game isn't going Liverpool's way. If Gerrard were to leave, Liverpool obviously wouldn't be able to use him in any way and given the effect of Gerrard's absence in recent games - this would surely be only negative for the club.
Reputation - The box to box performances, the amazing goals and the passionate celebrations we've witnessed from Gerrard over the years have seen him become a merchandise hit. This rakes in millions of pounds a year for the club from shirt sales, sponsorships etc. Letting Gerrard go would mean Liverpool had lost their two big hitters commercially in the space of 12 months with him and Luis Suarez. With success in football depending so much on finance in the modern era, this would almost surely prove to be a mistake.
History - Even the most cynical of Liverpool fans would agree that seeing Gerrard leave would hit them emotionally. 16 years of service and over 600 games, combined with multiple trophy wins suggest that parting company with Gerrard would be like the divorce of a couple that had travelled the world together and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Gerrard almost left in 2005, which led to supporters angrily burning shirts, but he changed his mind in the last minute and has since gone on to become perhaps the club's best ever player, winning everything except the Premier League, which he came agonisingly close to lifting last year. The 34-year-old's emotional ties to the club will surely have an impact on the final decision made by himself and the club.
Moving on - With Gerrard still in tow, it could be argued that Liverpool's other midfielders can never really flourish with the presence of such a great about. Gerrard leaving would force players like Phillipe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson to step up to the plate of 'match winners' and also make Brendan Rodgers look at other ways of changing games, which could improve Liverpool in the long run. Liverpool have to be selfish in this instance and do what's best for the team's performance. In this case it could be Gerrard leaving, given their reliance on him, particularly in the big games.
Wages - The general consensus is that Gerrard is currently earning around £140,000 per week, making him the 2nd highest paid player at the club behind Daniel Sturridge. It's hard to justify this much money going towards an 'impact player' especially with FSG's 'moneyball' model. The reports suggest Gerrard's new deal is on reduced terms at around £100,000 per week however it is unlikely Gerrard's camp will allow him to accept a deal on such reduced terms given his contributions to the club over the year. This could prove to be a key decider on the eventual decision, with Liverpool unlikely to fork out money that could be used in other areas.
Wishes - Gerrard has often spoken in the past about his love for Liverpool, however has been quoted on certain occasions about the possibility of playing abroad. Earlier this season Gerrard said "I won't be retiring in the summer. I will play beyond this season. We will have to wait and see if that's at Liverpool or somewhere else." This quote, although combined with him saying it would be "Liverpool's decision" certainly opened a can of worms on the skippers' future. If he was to decide he wanted to see out his career in somewhere like the MLS, Liverpool might not be able to stand in his way.
In summary, it is clear to see that before rushing into signing a new contract, or one for another team, Steven Gerrard needs to sit down with Liverpool. The Reds' boardroom also need to speak with Brendan Rodgers so they can give Gerrard the most realistic idea of what life would be like if he resigns. Liverpool fans around the world will be hoping to see him stay and end a long, illustrious career at Anfield, but it might the legendary number eight's future on Merseyside is far from a certainty.