Adam Lallana has signed a new short-term deal with Liverpool until July 31.
Lallana’s contract at Anfield had been due to expire at the end of June which would have ruled him out of the rest of the 2019/20 Premier League season.
Games have been on hiatus since mid-March following the outbreak of coronavirus but the Reds are now set to return to action on June 21.
The former England international, 32, remains an integral figure in Jurgen Klopp’s plans despite his six-year spell at Anfield still expected to draw to a close.
Explaining the decision to hand Lallana a brief extension, the Liverpool manager spoke glowingly of the 32-year-old’s ongoing contribution.
He said: “I know how highly sought after Adam is in this moment by other clubs who want him for next season, so for him this is a commitment to us and we are very appreciative to him for it.
“This is absolutely how it should be, too, because I am so pleased he will be with us to finish the job this season and have the farewell he deserves so much.
“It is not possible for me to find words in the English language to properly explain the importance of Adam Lallana during my period of being manager of this club.
“Adam always puts the club first – always! In the conversations we have had, he has been the first to express that my priority as a manager needs to be the players who are at this club for longer than just the rest of this season.
“He wants to be here to finish the job and do it properly, but it says everything about him that his biggest concern was blocking the progress and opportunity of a player who is under contract for next season also.
“But his role is too important to lose him before this season is done. So, it’s fantastic we can delay our messages of gratitude and good luck until the end of July now.”