LFC Contract Saga – Why The Future of Liverpool’s Key Trio Still Hangs in Balance | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Expiring Contracts: The Future of Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk

Liverpool face a critical moment in its squad planning as contract negotiations with key players remain unresolved. The futures of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk have been a major talking point, with concerns growing over the lack of progress in securing their long-term commitments.

Credit must go to The Athletic, whose detailed report sheds light on the current contract landscape at Anfield. As they noted, “There’s no doubt that the short-term issues — Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk — are extraordinary and rare cases that could have been handled better at an earlier stage.” This highlights the urgency and scale of the situation, as Liverpool risks losing three of its most influential players without clear contingency plans in place.

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Contract Concerns and the FSG Approach

Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have always operated with a financially cautious approach, preferring to offer incentive-based contracts that reward performance rather than high fixed wages. While this strategy has allowed Liverpool to remain competitive within financial fair play constraints, it also leads to drawn-out contract negotiations.

As The Athletic reported, “All three players have been offered lucrative extensions this season but talks have dragged on. With all sides keeping their counsel over the terms on offer, it’s hard to judge whether demands have been excessive or the offers unacceptable.” This uncertainty only adds to the speculation surrounding the club’s long-term vision and ability to retain its star players.

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Mohamed Salah: The Club’s Biggest Asset

Salah’s situation is particularly complex. The Egyptian forward remains Liverpool’s most valuable player both on and off the pitch, with his commercial appeal and goalscoring ability making him a key figure in the club’s global strategy. At 32 years old when his contract expires in 2025, Liverpool must weigh the risks of offering him another high-paying long-term deal against the potential impact of losing him.

The Saudi Pro League remains interested in Salah, with Liverpool previously rejecting significant bids for the forward. If a new contract agreement isn’t reached, the club may have to make a tough decision this summer—sell and reinvest or risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Academy Star Attracting Interest

Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as the future of Liverpool, yet his contract situation remains unresolved. At just 26 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career, and allowing him to approach free agency raises serious questions about Liverpool’s long-term planning.

Real Madrid has been linked with Alexander-Arnold, reportedly hoping to secure him as a free agent in 2025. Liverpool must move quickly to tie him down, as losing a player of his calibre and homegrown status would be a major blow.

Virgil van Dijk: A Leadership Dilemma

Van Dijk’s role as Liverpool’s defensive leader cannot be overstated. However, at 34 years old when his contract expires in 2025, the club must decide whether he remains a central figure in their defensive plans or if a transition to younger options is necessary. His experience and presence in the dressing room are invaluable, but offering him an extension on similar terms may not align with FSG’s long-term financial model.

The Wider Contract Picture at Liverpool

Beyond these three, Liverpool has several key contract situations to address. Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté, and Caoimhin Kelleher are among those whose deals will expire in 2026, while several others—including Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota—have contracts running until 2027. The club must balance its renewal strategy while also preparing for necessary squad reinforcements.

Additionally, Kelleher’s contract situation presents a unique challenge. He has expressed a desire to be a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere, meaning Liverpool may need to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for free.

Squad Rebuild and Financial Considerations

Liverpool’s return to the Champions League should boost revenue, but balancing wages and potential transfer fees remains a delicate act. The club’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, and CEO of football, Michael Edwards, are tasked with navigating these negotiations while also identifying targets for the upcoming transfer windows.

The longer these contract situations drag on, the greater the risk of instability within the squad. As The Athletic suggested, “If Liverpool can successfully navigate this tricky period and limit the damage to perhaps losing just one key player, then the subsequent rebuild should not be as difficult.” However, should negotiations continue to stall, Liverpool may find themselves scrambling for replacements at the worst possible time.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

While Liverpool fans are understandably anxious about the contract standstills, there is still room for optimism. The club has been through transitional periods before, and under new management with Arne Slot at the helm, there is a clear vision for the future.

From a supporter’s perspective, Salah should be given an extension to cement his legacy at Anfield, even if it means a shorter-term deal. His presence guarantees goals, leadership, and commercial value that far outweighs the risks of a decline in performance.

For Alexander-Arnold, there should be no hesitation—Liverpool must secure his future quickly. Letting a generational talent and local lad leave in his prime would be a huge mistake. If the club is serious about building for the future, making Trent the face of the next era is a no-brainer.

As for Van Dijk, his contract should reflect a transitionary period. Offering him a shorter-term extension with an eye on succession planning would be the most logical move.

Ultimately, Liverpool fans will be hoping that FSG and the new sporting structure act decisively. With the right balance of renewals and strategic transfers, Liverpool can avoid a crisis and set the foundation for continued success.