Liverpool are yet to make a major signing, even though the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

It’s not exactly a warm welcome for the new manager Arne Slot, whose job is already doubly difficult because he is replacing Jurgen Klopp.

On top of that, Liverpool’s three most important players are probably – Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Yet, as of this moment, all three could walk out of Anfield on free transfers next summer and there isn’t even a replacement in sight.

If it was up to Liverpool fans, then they would be offering new deals to all of those players, but you have to question why such talks haven’t even taken place yet.

Yes, there have been further changes upstairs, but it shouldn’t prevent such key figures from being in such a worrying situation.

Van Dijk himself has openly come out and stated that Liverpool haven’t offered him a formal new contract.

The 33-year-old was one of his side’s best players last term and recently missed out on a Euro 2024 final spot with the Netherlands – van Dijk was accused of thinking he was Franz Beckenbauer at Euro 2024.

When this news was relayed to Ally McCoist, he was left ‘extremely surprised’ because he couldn’t understand why there haven’t been talks, as he told talkSPORT (12/08/24 at 7:20 am).

The former striker added that Slot has surely spoken to three of his senior players – van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Saudi Arabia-linked Salah – about their futures.

Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool contract

“Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk says he is ‘yet to be offered a contract extension’ despite having a year left to run,” said Jeff Stelling. “Should we really be surprised, bearing in mind that he is 34 next year?”

McCoist responded: “Yes, you have to take that into account. But, at the same time, I am extremely surprised that there has been no chat. There surely has been a chat?! He has come out and said he is yet to be offered a formal offer of a contract extension.

“I would be staggered if the new manager Arne Slot hasn’t come in and spoken, in particular, to the boys whose contracts are up next summer (van Dijk, Trent and Salah) – I noticed he said he has not been offered a contract extension yet. That surprised me a little. I still think he’s an integral part of Liverpool for the season coming up. I really, really do.”

Who is Liverpool’s prized asset?

You would probably argue, on paper, it’s probably Alexander-Arnold given that he is still at the peak of his powers and his best football is ahead of him.

But that doesn’t mean you should disrespect your senior stars because their value will only be noticed once they have left the building. 

Either way, there is every chance all those players are no longer at the club in 12 months’ time.

Liverpool have been told Alexander-Arnold could leave for Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants keen to bring him on board next summer.

Alexander-Arnold was spotted with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham this summer, which further fueled speculation about the Englishman heading to the Santiago Bernabeu.

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