Is RAPID Jarell Quansah contract a sign of Liverpool TROUBLE?

Liverpool’s recent contract negotiations with young defenders Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah have raised eyebrows.

With Quansah's swift extension and a new deal for Konate in the works, it’s hard not to wonder if this is in stark contrast to the potentially more complicated renewals looming over key stars like Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk.

Talks with 20-year-old Quansah seemed to progress with little friction and while it is a positive move for the club in securing future talent, it has triggered concerns about the bigger names who are yet to finalise new deals.

READ MORE Journalist issues update on trio's contract situation 

Should Reds fans be worried?

With the smooth completion of Quansah’s contract, fans are now shifting focus to the club’s most established players, and whether their negotiations could present far greater challenges.

After all, there was no rush over Quansah's contract but it was finalised quickly. There can no longer be any question that Liverpool are trying to sign contracts with their players - but the big three still aren't locked down.

Quansah's contract renewal being so smooth essentially confirms that the other talks have been anything but.

Salah, arguably the club’s most influential player in recent years, has been the subject of ongoing speculation regarding a potential move to Saudi Arabia. Despite his current deal running until 2025, persistent interest from Saudi clubs, and the massive financial incentives on offer, create a cloud of uncertainty.

Liverpool has resisted overtures so far, but with astronomical wages being dangled in front of Salah, renewing his deal may become a more difficult and drawn-out process than expected. His importance to Liverpool cannot be overstated—he's been the focal point of their attack since his arrival. If the club fails to secure his future, they risk losing a generational talent who has been integral to their domestic and European successes.

Alexander-Arnold’s current contract also expires in 2025, and while there’s been no significant movement yet, his situation is equally concerning.

His connection with Liverpool runs deep, as the academy product has become a symbol of the club's resurgence under Jürgen Klopp. However, reports linking him to Real Madrid, especially with his close friendship with Jude Bellingham and the Spanish giant’s desire for a new right-back, could complicate matters.

Alexander-Arnold’s potential remains sky-high. A dynamic right-back with playmaking ability that few can rival, the 26-year-old’s presence on the pitch is crucial. Given the increasing interest from Madrid and his own career ambitions, Liverpool may find themselves in a race against time to convince him to renew—especially when clubs like Real can offer both sporting success and financial incentives.

Could Liverpool need a new captain next season?

At 32, Van Dijk is in the latter stages of his career, but the captain's value to the team, both as a leader and a defensive rock, is immeasurable. While there has been no public urgency about his future, the reality is that his leadership and experience would be hard to replace.

The Dutchman has previously made it clear he is committed to the club, but Liverpool may have to carefully navigate the negotiation process with him.

Any delay in renewal talks could raise questions about his long-term future at Anfield, particularly as top clubs would surely jump at the chance to secure his services for the twilight of his career.

These three players are not just key figures in Liverpool’s squad—they represent the spine of the team and the core of the club’s recent success. Each renewal poses unique challenges: Salah’s lucrative external offers, Alexander-Arnold’s potential ambitions abroad, and Van Dijk’s status as an ageing yet invaluable leader.

Quansah’s smooth renewal is certainly a positive step, but the more pressing task is ensuring the futures of the club’s most important players.

The longer the contract situations remain unresolved, the more speculation will build. For Liverpool, it’s imperative to act swiftly and decisively to secure these foundational players — because losing any of them would be far more troubling than any promising young defender’s quick deal.