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Liverpool have contract dilemma with three of Jurgen Klopp's biggest stars
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp isn't expected to splash the cash this month, though he does have concerning situations with the likes of Mo Salah to address.
Although the January transfer window is in full flow and Liverpool are scouring the market for new signings, they will need to turn their attention to players already at the club sooner rather than later. Three of the Reds’ most important players will head into the final 12 months of their contracts this summer and they could leave gaping holes in the squad.
Jurgen Klopp orchestrated a major midfield rebuild over the summer transfer window, allowing ex-stalwarts to depart in order to raise funds and create space for new signings. James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita were all offloaded, with younger replacements signed.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch then arrived, and the quartet have settled into life in Merseyside seamlessly and given Liverpool a new and exciting core.
The Reds are now said to be focusing on other departments, though the contract situations of some of their most important stars are likely to become a priority soon. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to become free agents in 2025, and their upcoming availability will catch the eye of top clubs around Europe.
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The trio have all shone at Anfield over the years and any departure will be hard-hitting, which would suggest that Liverpool are likely to offer each of the stars a new contract. However, the lure of other clubs could prove persuasive if the Reds delay opening negotiations.
Salah has been earmarked as Saudi Arabia’s top target as they look to grow the Saudi Pro League, and his contract situation could offer them hope in luring the Egyptian star to the Middle East. If Liverpool opt not to hand the winger a new contract then Fenway Sports Group must offload him at the end of the season whilst he is still a valuable asset.
Defensive duo Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are two of the first names on the team sheet under Klopp, though that will not prevent the very best clubs in the world from trying their luck this summer if they only have 12 months left on their deals.
Real Madrid have the transfer budget to table significant offers for both stars, and the prospect of being key players at the Santiago Bernabeu could be used to persuade the pair to turn their backs on Liverpool – though both players have never hinted that an exit could even be on the cards in the future which will give the Reds confidence that the worst-case scenario does not unravel.