Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk situation 'dangerous' - Shearer
Liverpool have got a trio of superstar players out of contract in 2025 in the shape of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
At the moment there is significant transfer uncertainty around Salah, with reports of an imminent bid from Al-Ittihad, but the club insist they do not expect Salah to leave this summer.
If a big offer arrives for the 31-year-old, and with no deal agreed, it may represent the last opportunity for the club to cash in before his terms expire.
He is about to turn 33 and there are so far no indications that contract talks are underway.
Alexander-Arnold has been a long-term transfer target for Real Madrid and negotiations with the Reds are yet to take place over a new deal.
Incoming sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG’s new CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, therefore, have plenty of items in their intray regarding potential big-name outgoings.
It’s not a good position for the Merseysiders to be in, according to Premier League winner Alan Shearer, who describes the club’s situation as ‘dangerous’ ahead of the summer window.
Players want certainty, he insists, and will need to know quickly where they stand with the new boss.
Alan Shearer: Players will want a plan
With Jurgen Klopp leaving, to be replaced by Feyenoord coach Arne Slot, it promises to be a summer of upheaval at Anfield.
"Salah, who was courted doggedly by Al Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club, last summer, is about to enter the final year of his contract,” Shearer writes in his column for The Athletic.
"The same applies to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk and all three have been absolutely key, iconic, fantastic players under Klopp. I'm not privy to where negotiations stand, but it's a dangerous position for Liverpool to be in.
“Those players will want to plan. They have to look after themselves.
"Now put yourself back in their dressing room and look around again: how confident do you feel? How certain? At this level the very, very peak if you're 0.1 per cent off it, physically or mentally, it'll make a difference, particularly when you're going for a title against relentless teams like Manchester City and Arsenal. You can't afford any mistakes, any chinks in your armor.
"In your quiet moments, you have the same doubts as anybody else. Who will the next manager be? Will Arne Slot fancy me? Am I still good enough? What happens next?"
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