After months of negotiation, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has reached an agreement with the club over a new deal, clarifying his future and tying him to the Reds until 2021.
“I think I am the happiest guy [in the world] today, it’s another dream come true. It was always my dream to stay as long as possible at one club that I love – and that is Liverpool,” said the Croatian, full of pride. “After all that happened in the beginning, in the last two seasons I think I’ve done better than in the first season. The club has rewarded me, they believed in me and also the fans, and this is what I respect a lot after everything that happened,” added Lovren, reflecting on his tumultuous first years at the club. “I am pleased with everything and I just want to stay here as long as possible and be a part of this family for many, many years to come.”
Although questions still remain about the former Southampton defender, he’s grown in leaps and bounds since the appointment of Jurgen Klopp has Liverpool boss with the German able to restore the shaken confidence of the 27-year old. Despite the new deal, the Reds are still expected to try to draft in a top class central defender this summer to not only provide cover for the Croatian and Joel Matip, but to challenge them for their spots in the starting eleven.
“Dejan is a big presence for us on the pitch and in the dressing room – this is wonderful news that he has committed to LFC for such a long time,” enthused Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to the club’s official website. “It is our intention to build this squad around the great talent we already have. We want to keep our core together,” added the German, hinting towards the long-term deals already signed by the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana earlier in the season. “I am really pleased Dejan has become the latest to recognise that Liverpool is a place where players can achieve their dreams and goals.”
