Predicting potential new deals for Liverpool's biggest stars

While the main focus of most football fans these days is on the transfer market, and rightly so, there are other aspects of the business that must be taken care of as well. One of those is player retention, more specifically in the shape of contract extensions.

Liverpool as it were, have three of their biggest stars entering the final year on their existing deals and the short and long-term futures of the club could be determined based on how the club decides to move forward.

As we stand now, there is no guarantee of anything and each day that goes by without a fresh contract means the pressure-cooker will only intensify.

I'm here to try and predict what is going to happen with the biggest names and what those deals might look like. Let's get start

Virgil van Dijk - 33 years old

We begin with the Captain as Virgil has been at the heart of everything that has been wonderful about the last 5 plus years at Anfield.

The big Dutchman is coming off of a heartbreaking exit in the Euro 2024 semifinals as he captained the Netherlands to the final four before falling in controversial fashion to England.

While he is currently on a well-earned holiday. there have been some rumors popping up here and there about the possibility of a big money offer from abroad for his services. However, the club appears calm in that regard and I don't foresee a scenario where he gets sold a year after getting the armband.

But that does pose the question, what will the club and player do? It's obvious that while still one of the best in the world, he does not have the elite physical traits on a consistent basis that he once did.

Having said that, he is still so important to this squad, especially in a period of coaching transition and his leadership and calming influence will be needed early on in the season. I expect a short-term deal to see him through his remaining years at the top.

Prediction: 2-year extension

Mohamed Salah - 32 years old

We now come to Liverpool's leading scorer and assister during the 2023/24 campaign. While he did not finish the season in vintage form, he showed he still had plenty left in the tank and his role in the attack this season is as crucial as ever.

Earlier in the summer it was seemingly confirmed by all parties that Salah would be back for at least the final year of his contract, if not longer.

If he can put together another prolific term, a new deal should be a formality in my opinion. While the Reds have a group of younger and talented forwards, none still are at the level of Salah.

Take into account that he takes care of his body and there is no reason to believe that he won't age gracefully while playing a big role for club and country in the future.

Prediction: 3-year extension

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 25 years old

The final superstar on this unenviable list is Alexander-Arnold who is also entering the final year on his current deal. He is coming off a personally frustrating trip to the Euro final where he barely played at all after the first few group matches.

Now away on holiday, it is being reported that Real Madrid are preparing an audacious bid for our No. 66 to tempt Liverpool and the player who is said to at least be intrigued.

In the same breath, TAA has also expressed a desire to become a Liverpool legend in his own right. As our current vice-captain with so much experience already, he is well on his way.

Whether he plays at right-back or in the midfield, he is someone that should be excited for the tactical tweaks that Slot will be making to the squad. Alexander-Arnold is probably the Reds most important player at the moment because of his importance to both today and the long-term.

I cannot picture a world where he gets sold this summer just now entering his prime. It would be a disaster of a move to make. I think he is here for the long haul.

Prediction: 4 or 5-year extension