Richard Hughes swings the axe: Liverpool starting TRIO set to leave

Liverpool have got Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk tied down to new contracts until 2027. Those renewals - along with that of Trent Alexander-Arnold - had lingered practically all season long and it comes as a relief to everyone to finally have got two of them sorted.

But sporting director Richard Hughes isn’t standing still as there is a pressing need to sort other deals next. And, according to a report in Football Insider, the next players in line for contract talks are Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

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However, unlike the Salah and Van Dijk renewals, these ones aren’t likely to have happy outcomes.

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Konate, 25, is out of contract in 2026 and unless a new deal is agreed rapidly then Liverpool will consider selling this summer.

Liverpool's upcoming contract talks

Given that the Frenchman wants £200,000 per week - some way off his current deal worth £140,000 - there is a fair distance to travel in discussions in a very short time.

Diaz, meanwhile, is out of contract in 2027 and looks set for the Anfield exit.

The Colombian would like a new contract on a much-improved salary - he currently earns £55,000 per week - but so far there have been no indications that Liverpool are prepared to go that high.

Jota, 28, is in a very similar predicament. He is under contract until 2027 and does not hold the aces in contract talks considering his recent injury record.

Konate, Jota, Diaz set for exit?

Therefore, according to the report, we could be seeing ALL THREE leave the club this summer before their values diminish any further.

“The futures of Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota will be the next to be decided at Anfield,” the report reads.

“The star trio have all been linked with moves away from the club ahead of the summer transfer window and talks will be held to determine their futures.

“Liverpool have held contract talks with both forwards in the past year, but new talks will be held in the latter stages of the season to determine their futures.

“Initial talks over the offer of a new contract [for Diaz] had failed as their main focus was on finalising new deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Sales to fund summer rebuild

“Jota remains in a similar situation, with initial contract talks failing to reach a conclusion, and the Reds are now leaning towards his exit as a result of recent injury issues.

“Liverpool plan to keep Konate at the club, but will be prepared to let him leave if they cannot reach an agreement over a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2026.”

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To lose all three at once would be a hefty blow but there are plans afoot to add centre-forward and centre-backs to the squad this summer.

Therefore if the right money can be raised through sales for the three players, Liverpool could well furnish the outlay for three new stars.