Liverpool’s Future in Doubt? Salah, Van Dijk & Trent’s Contracts in Limbo!
Liverpool’s Star Trio in Limbo: Can the Reds Secure Their Future?
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| Image: Liverpool Manager Arne Slot, July 31, 2024. Photo by JoeSchilp, CC BY-SA 4.0. |
Liverpool fans, brace yourselves! The futures of three of our biggest stars – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk – are hanging in the balance. With their contracts expiring in June 2025, negotiations (or lack thereof) have left fans on edge.
Will they commit their futures to Liverpool, or is a major squad rebuild on the horizon? Let’s break it all down and explore what’s at stake for Liverpool’s future.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Next Liverpool Captain or a Real Madrid Star?
Current Status:
✅ Liverpool has offered him a new contract, but no agreement has been reached.
✅ He reportedly wants a minimum three-year deal and a clear path to becoming club captain.
✅ Real Madrid is monitoring his situation and reportedly made an initial €10 million offer, which Liverpool rejected.
What’s the Big Issue?
Trent is more than just a right-back—he is a local hero and a generational talent. Having spent his entire career at Liverpool, he has won every major club trophy and is one of the best attacking full-backs in the world.
However, with Jordan Henderson gone and Van Dijk in the final year of his contract, Trent sees himself as a future leader at Anfield. If Liverpool doesn’t commit to him long-term with captaincy ambitions, he might be tempted by a move abroad.
Real Madrid’s Interest
Liverpool values him at €25 million, but Madrid is unwilling to pay more than €15 million, believing they could sign him for free in 2025. Given Madrid’s history of signing top talents for free (like David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger), could Trent be next?
Fan Poll:
Do you think Trent Alexander-Arnold will stay or leave Liverpool?
🔴 Stay and become captain
⚪ Leave for Real Madrid
Mohamed Salah: Will the Egyptian King Stay on His Throne?
Current Status:
✅ Liverpool has not formally offered Salah a contract extension.
✅ Salah claims he hasn’t received any renewal offers from the club.
✅ Al Hilal is interested, reportedly offering him a £65 million, two-year deal.
What’s the Big Issue?
Salah has been Liverpool’s most consistent goal scorer since joining in 2017, breaking records and cementing his legacy. But at 32 years old, Liverpool might be hesitant to offer him another long-term contract, especially with Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.
The biggest concern for Liverpool is balancing squad evolution while maintaining competitiveness. Should they keep an aging Salah or sell him while they can still get a huge transfer fee?
Al Hilal’s Mega Offer
Salah has already turned down Saudi Pro League interest once, but the lure of a record-breaking contract could be too tempting this time. If Liverpool doesn’t act soon, could we see the King of Egypt leave the Kop behind?
Historical Context: Gerrard 2005 & Suarez 2014
Liverpool has been in this position before:
- In 2005, Steven Gerrard nearly joined Chelsea, but a last-minute contract extension kept him at Anfield.
- In 2014, Luis Suárez left for Barcelona, signaling the end of an era and the start of a rebuild.
Could Salah’s situation follow the Gerrard route (renewal) or the Suárez route (departure)?
Fan Poll:
What should Liverpool do with Salah?
🔴 Offer him a new deal immediately
⚪ Let him leave if a big offer comes in
Virgil van Dijk: A Defensive Rock or a Big Move Away?
Current Status:
✅ Liverpool has opened talks with Van Dijk’s representatives about a new deal.
✅ Reports suggest negotiations are positive, but nothing is finalized.
✅ Al Hilal is interested, just like with Salah.
What’s the Big Issue?
Van Dijk is Liverpool’s defensive leader, but at 33 years old, he is no longer at his peak. While he still dominates most defenders in the Premier League, Liverpool must decide whether to:
1️⃣ Give him a short-term extension and find his replacement gradually.
2️⃣ Sell him and reinvest in a younger defender.
Why Van Dijk Might Stay
Unlike Salah, Van Dijk may not want to leave European football yet. He still has the chance to lead Liverpool’s defense in the Champions League and possibly win another major title.
However, if Liverpool isn’t prepared to offer a competitive salary, the Saudi Pro League could swoop in.
Potential Replacement Options
If Van Dijk leaves, Liverpool will need a world-class center-back to replace him. Some potential targets include:
- Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) – Young, strong, and good on the ball.
- Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton) – Premier League-proven talent.
- Antonio Silva (Benfica) – One of Europe’s most promising defenders.
Fan Poll:
Should Liverpool extend Van Dijk’s contract?
🔴 Yes, he’s still elite
⚪ No, we need fresh blood
What This Means for Liverpool’s Future
The decisions made regarding Trent, Salah, and Van Dijk will determine whether Liverpool remains a title challenger or enters a rebuilding phase.
Financial Fair Play (FFP) Considerations
Liverpool must carefully manage their wage bill. If they renew all three players, it could limit their ability to sign younger talents in the transfer market.
Possible Transfer Strategy
If Liverpool loses one or two of them, they must be proactive in the market. Here’s a potential transfer strategy:
- Sell Salah → Sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli) or Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
- Sell Van Dijk → Sign Gonçalo Inácio or Antonio Silva
- Sell Trent → Sign Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Liverpool can’t afford to be reactive—they must plan ahead.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Liverpool Prioritize?
🚨 Which player should Liverpool prioritize for a new contract? 🚨
1️⃣ Trent Alexander-Arnold – The future captain?
2️⃣ Mohamed Salah – Still the main attacking force?
3️⃣ Virgil van Dijk – The defensive leader?
Let us know in the comments who Liverpool should extend first!
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