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Liverpool contract priority identified amid triple dilemma as Arne Slot sent clear message

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah are all out of contract next summer
-Credit: (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)


Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has suggested the Reds do not have suitable options within the current squad to offset the exit of Virgil van Dijk, should contract talks fail. The Dutchman has revealed he is in talks with the club over a new deal, with his current contract expiring next summer.

June is also when the deals of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold run out, with it unknown if talks with either player have commenced. The ECHO understands Salah is keen to stay at Anfield.

However, there is ambiguity hanging over Alexander-Arnold’s future amid persistent reports of interest from Real Madrid. He has outlined his desire to be Liverpool captain but could only guarantee his future at the club until the end of the season.

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The aforementioned trio are all vital to Arne Slot’s set-up and McManaman particularly fears for Liverpool should they be unable to agree new terms with Van Dijk. “It goes without saying that they need to keep him,” he told TNT Sports.

“They haven’t got anybody else, so if they let him go on a free at the end of the season, they’ll have to buy somebody. Because whether Jarell Quansah - who is a fantastic player - is experienced enough to come and sit beside Konate and for Liverpool to play the same level… I think that will be very difficult to replicate.

“So it’s incredibly important that the captain and the leader, role model, the voice at the back who can see all of the pitch in front of him [signs a renewal]. That's almost as important as any other position on the pitch.”

Fellow pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Van Dijk is the most important player to tie down to a new deal. ”I think he’s the most important one because there are other factors outside of the pitch where his importance is huge and irreplaceable,” he said.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. -Credit:Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Confirming that contract talks had begun with Liverpool, Van Dijk told reporters over the weekend: “What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.

“I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun. What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but like I said in my previous answer, discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it's time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys (the media) will know it as well.

“But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”