Liverpool have four players out of contract in the next 12 months, but how many will leave the club rather than stay?
Reds fly high in Premier League this season, building a healthy lead at the top of the table after a stellar first year below Arne Slott until now.
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While Liverpool fans have plenty to be positive about, there are concerns over the futures of a number of players whose contracts expire in the next 12 months.
Here are who they are…
1
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Contract expires: June 30, 2025
Now rightly regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Trent Alexander-Arnold has already achieved so much at the age of just 26.
A Champions League and Premier League winner, Liverpool’s vice-captain produced outstanding quality from right-back, piling 85 assists in the process.
However, his current Reds the job expires at the end of this season, and it is known that Real Madrid sees him as the perfect long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.
Liverpool fans are concerned that Alexander-Arnold has not made it clear that he wants to stay at his boyhood club, meaning he naturally feels the most likely of those out of contract this summer to move on this summer.
Losing him at this point in his career would be a huge blow for the Reds, and he has a big decision to make in his career, not least in terms of his legacy at Anfield.
If he stays, he will likely be a future captain and one of the best players of all time in the club’s history, but if he leaves, his reputation will be tarnished forever.
It’s easy to see why either outcome appeals to Alexander-Arnold given how big a lure Madrid are for many, but a host of Liverpool players have left during this era and fallen quickly, whether it’s Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane or Jordan Henderson, in between others. That should act as a warning to him.
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2
Vitezslav Jaroš
Contract expires: June 30, 2025
The least prominent of the four Liverpool players who could leave Anfield in 2025 is young goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, who has made two appearances this season.
The Czech was brought into the Premier League game at Crystal Palace in October after an injury to Alisson, doing a solid job.
It is clear that Jaros’ path is extremely limited when it comes to getting playing time, not only because Alisson is still arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, but also because Caoimhin Kelleher is an excellent back-up option.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed from Valencia last summer, and while he remains there on loan for the 2024/25 season, it is likely that he will be part of the first team in some form later this year.
All of which means that Jaros leaving on a free transfer after his contract expires makes complete sense, allowing him to join a club where he is more likely to feature regularly. It’s hard to see him becoming second choice any time soon, which is certainly not ideal for him.
3
Mohamed Salah
Contract expires: June 30, 2025
There probably hasn’t been a better player in the world this season than Mohamed Salah, who continues to find strange levels of attacking brilliance.
The Egyptian has been vocal about his future at Liverpool in interviews and on social media, constantly suggesting this is his last season at the club.
However, he made it clear he was happy at Anfield, rather than suggesting the club had not spoken to him enough or offered him the terms he wanted in an extension.
Although no player is bigger than the club, Salah has shown this season why he is such an indispensable figure and there is no reason why he should slow down in the next few years.
He stays in incredible shape, is a true professional and is the type of motivated character who will want to break records for many years to come.
At this point, it would still be a surprise if Salah didn’t sign a new deal, despite his comments, but that doesn’t mean it’s a given. Far from it.
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4
Virgil van Dijk
Contract expires: June 30, 2025
Virgil van Dijk completes a trio of Liverpool legends whose signings have dominated the headlines in recent months, as the Dutchman continues to carve out his status as one of the best centre-backs of all time.
The 33-year-old has been as good as ever this season, playing at a colossal level and providing security for the Reds’ defense when their backs began to creak during games. For all Salah’s magic, he is the most important player for the Slot and will continue forward.
Like his Egyptian teammate, Van Dijk isn’t getting any younger, but age is just a number and the Liverpool captain has made it clear that he still has plenty of years left in him at the top level.
Apart from himself, Alexander-Arnold and Salah, the Dutch international is considered the most likely to sign without too much trouble, although it is frustrating how late in the day the club left him. Seeing him go would be a massive shock, not to mention a huge blow to the Reds.
Liverpool fans will be divided when it comes to who is the most important equalizer, but it would be no surprise at all if Van Dijk gets the most votes, after seven remarkable years at Anfield. Extending the contract is absolute nonsense.
