You must have been living under a rock if you were not aware that Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were all out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season. With the transfer window about to open, all three players will be free to sign pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs from January 1.

Speculation regarding their futures is rife. And while both Salah and Van Dijk have publicly admitted that they would prefer to stay put at Anfield, their contract situations are yet to be resolved.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold has stayed virtually radio silent regarding his own future to add to the uncertainty, with Real Madrid known to be interested in his services on a Bosman transfer.

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We have written plenty about the out-of-contract trio on the ECHO sports pages in recent times, and will no doubt continue to do so in the months ahead for as long as their futures remain unresolved.

But we fancied a brief change. Rather than fretting about how Liverpool could be about to lose three of their star players for nothing in 2025, we decided to take a look at which overseas players the Reds could themselves sign on a pre-contract agreement from January 1 instead.

Admittedly, it is nearly nine years since Liverpool signed a player on pre-contract agreement months ahead of their deal expiring (Joel Matip, in case you were wondering), so pinches of salt at the ready. But if you can’t beat them, join them…

Alphonso Davies

The Bayern Munich left-back, who is still only 24, was actually recently linked with a move to Liverpool so perhaps it is not beyond the realms of possibility. With modern-day great Andy Robertson the wrong side of 30 and out of contract in 2026, the Reds might be tempted to strengthen in the position in the not-too-distant future after all.

Davies has been linked with a host of big-name clubs though, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Joshua Kimmich

Now a less realistic name from Bayern Munich, given that Kimmich turns 30 in February. But the holding midfielder has found himself sporadically linked with Liverpool in recent years.

Having missed out on Martin Zubimendi last summer, there is an argument that the Reds could do with another defensive midfield option. Though, the Germany international would also demand hefty wages.

Jonathan David

Previously a Liverpool target before they signed Diogo Jota in 2020, the Canada international is still only 24. A versatile forward, he is now enjoying a fifth rather prolific season with Ligue 1 side Lille.

If the Reds were tempted to freshen their attacking options in the summer, the opportunity to revisit interest in a previous target on a Bosman transfer could be tempting.

Leroy Sane

Another Bayern Munich star, and one who has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool in the past - often as a potential replacement for the out-of-contract Salah. The Germany international will turn 29 in January though, while the Reds currently have six attacking options.

Interest has been dismissed in the past, while it seems even more unlikely if Salah signs a new contract.

Jonathan Tah

Arne Slotwas full of praise for the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back ahead of facing Xabi Alonso’s side in the Champions League back in November. Linked with Liverpool in the past, the Germany international will turn 29 in February though, and is said to be in advanced talks with Barcelona.

Angel Gomes

The former Manchester United midfielder has impressed for Lille to the extent that he made his England debut earlier this year. The 24-year-old previously flourished in midfield for England Under-21s partnering Curtis Jones and would prove to be a versatile option if Slot wished to strengthen his hand. Oh, if you hadn’t realised, he would also tick a homegrown box.

Ferland Mendy

Right, we know the left-back will turn 30 before the start of next season and is pretty much a non-starter as a result - even if considering the aforementioned new left-back argument. But he plays for Real Madrid and we just fancied including one of their players as they continue to flirt with Alexander-Arnold. Shoe on the other foot etc etc.

Devyne Rensch

A perhaps more realistic defensive option - in terms of actually fitting Liverpool's preferred profile - the 21-year-old has impressed for Ajax to the extent he has been linked with the Reds before and can play anywhere across the back four.

Given Slot's defensive injuries so far this season, certainly not the worst player to have. Depending on the severity of Joe Gomezs hamstring injury, maybe, if actually interested, the Reds can sound out getting him on the cheap in January?