Liverpool Must Build on New Jordan Henderson Contract in Summer Transfer Window

Jordan Henderson's new contract at Liverpool FC was confirmed on Thursday. The midfielder has signed a "long-term" deal, per the official LFC website.

The Telegraph report that the deal is worth £100,000 per week and ties him to the club for five years, just short of his 30th birthday.

Henderson was signed from Sunderland for £16 million under former manager Kenny Dalglish in 2011. After a difficult start to his career on Merseyside, he has become an integral part of the team, already making 180 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals.

Speaking after signing the new deal, Henderson told the club's official website:

"

I'm over the moon that it's finally done. 

There has been talk about it for a while now. It's brilliant news for me to commit my future to this football club—I really feel that it's a good time for us to look forward to the future, with the squad we've got, the manager, the size of the club and the fans we've got. I really think, over the next few years, we can challenge and start winning trophies. 

That's the next phase; we've improved massively over the last few years, and I think the next phase for us is to start challenging for titles and trophies as well.

"

In order for Liverpool to achieve what Henderson wants—to be challenging for titles and trophies—they must improve their record in the transfer market, starting this summer.

Henderson's deal follows extensions for Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge earlier this season, while reports suggest Martin Skrtel will be offered a new deal in the summer. Then there is of course Raheem Sterling's contract situation to finalise.

Finalising the futures of Henderson, Coutinho, Sturridge, Skrtel and Sterling would mean the spine of Brendan Rodgers' side are committed to the club. Liverpool must then sign players to further enhance the starting XI.

That quartet are aged 24, 22, 25 and 30 years old respectively. Only Skrtel can be considered a senior player, and it's those senior pros which Liverpool are lacking—especially once several depart this summer.

According to the Mirror's David Maddock, Rodgers "wants a slight change in the recruitment policy which has placed a strong emphasis on young players with potential, by bringing more established stars better placed to go straight into the first team."

This is exactly what Liverpool need.

Jon Super/Associated Press

After signing a host of talented young players last summer, Liverpool must now go for quality over quantity. Two or three new signings of proven quality and experience would be far more effective than another host of youngsters who may develop in two, three or four years.

Signing players of this type would also hugely benefit the current crop of players such as Henderson and Coutinho, who are relied upon so heavily when they themselves aren't anywhere near their prime years as footballers. Signing players who can immediately impact the first team would have the knock-on effect of relieving the pressure on the current squad.

Liverpool will benefit from the youngsters they signed last summer being more comfortable in the Premier League next season; we can fully expect Emre Can, Alberto Moreno and Lazar Markovic to build on their first campaigns in England. The same can be said for Jordon Ibe, Sterling and incoming Divock Origi.

Maddock reported Liverpool's interest in PSV forward Mempis Depay, 21, and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho, 23. They would be astute signings and for their age both have impressive experience at the top level.

Add in another midfielder and/or forward, preferably one who can be considered in their prime years between 25 and 27 years old, and Liverpool would have a vastly improved squad—still full of youthful exuberance but adding quality where required.

Next season, with Steven Gerrard gone, plus the likely departures of Kolo Toure and Glen Johnson, it will be another test for the likes of Henderson to step up and lead Liverpool into a new era.

Go for quality over quantity this summer and Liverpool could get to where Henderson says they can be.