Liverpool Football Club faces a turbulent summer ahead as three of its star players, Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, approach the end of their contracts without agreements in sight, raising questions about their futures at Anfield. The club, which is on track to win the Premier League this season, could find itself losing vital talent for free come summer if no new deals are secured.
Among the three, Alexander-Arnold appears to be the most likely to depart, with increased speculation surrounding a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that a deal between Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid is "on," highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
"Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid, story revealed one year ago. Deal on," Romano stated on March 25, 2025. His report has garnered substantial attention, especially since it follows a period where Real Madrid has been tracking the Liverpool right-back for over a year.
Rumors began swirling last year regarding Madrid's interest in Alexander-Arnold, as noted by Romano. "Real Madrid are actively chasing the Premier League star and waiting for his current deal at Anfield to expire so that they could sign him for free," he explained. With both Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez aging at 33, it seems Madrid is keen on fresh talent in the right-back position.
Adding to the urgency is the fact that Liverpool is reportedly pursuing Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong as a potential replacement. This indicates a recognition of the impending loss of one of their star players. A free transfer for Alexander-Arnold not only pertains to the loss of his skills on the pitch but could also signal a significant shift within Liverpool's squad dynamics.
Another significant figure, Salah, a key member of Liverpool's attacking prowess with 21 big chances created this season, is also without a new contract. The lack of commitment from these marquee players would leave Liverpool needing to bolster its ranks significantly if they are to maintain their competitive edge. Virgil Van Dijk, often seen as a defensive stalwart for the team, is likewise nearing the expiry of his contract.
As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the English international Alexander-Arnold has already made a definitive decision regarding his future, seemingly leaning towards the opportunity with Real Madrid. This has been corroborated by sports journalist David Ornstein, who detailed that “Real Madrid are working to close the deal” for Alexander-Arnold ahead of the summer window.
Should the deal materialize, Alexander-Arnold's departure would be met with disappointment from the Liverpool fanbase. Many comprehend that while the move could be advantageous for the 26-year-old, it feels disheartening that he has not received an offer deemed satisfactory by Liverpool. Commentators argue that he has every right to seek new opportunities given his contributions to the club, including successes under Jürgen Klopp in lifting multiple trophies.
However, the bittersweet nature of Alexander-Arnold's exit is felt deeply by fans who have witnessed his rise from academy graduate to one of the premier full-backs in world football today. Currently rated as the highest full-back in the Premier League this season with a rating of 7.15, his unique skill set may be irreplaceable.
FBref ranks him impressively high, placing him in the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions and the 96th percentile for expected assisted goals. There is considerable concern that his distinct playstyle—especially his ability to drift centrally and create goal-scoring opportunities—will be difficult to replicate in the short term.
Liverpool's recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, faces a daunting task in the transfer market this summer. Replacing a talent of Alexander-Arnold's caliber requires not just any signing but someone capable of influencing games, maintaining creativity, and adapting to the club's attacking philosophy.
As the season progresses toward its climax with Liverpool in contention for the Premier League title, the question looms large: Can Liverpool secure the futures of their top players, or will the club see its pillars exit for free? As much as the title chase is paramount, the underlying issue of contract renewals could dictate the Reds’ future direction as they aim to rebuild and compete at the top level.
Ultimately, Liverpool could face a summer marked not just by the triumph of winning the league but also by the profound reflection on what is left when they lose pathway-producing talents. The solution to retaining such players isn't merely financial; it encompasses building an environment where players feel valued and adequately compensated, both in terms of contracts and ambition moving forward. Liverpool will need to manage this transition with finesse to keep their aspirations for the next season alive.
