Arsenal v Crystal Palace, London, UK - 20 Jan 2024 William Saliba of Arsenal is pressured by Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at The Emirates Stadium, London on 20 January 2024 London The Emirates Stadium London England Copyright: xMicahxCrook/PPAUKx PPA-082859
Liverpool are yet to announce concrete news on their current contract sagas.
Fans are anxious about the situation despite how well the season has gone for the reds. Arne Slot has been an unexpected surprise for Liverpool. The dutch coach has navigated this campaign like he has been at Anfield for decades. One of the most impressive things about this Liverpool side is how some players seem to have finally found their level.
Last year, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch showed flashes of their potential. However, they were inconsistent and did not string together a good run of games. This season, Gakpo and Diaz haved thrived in this new-look attack. Ryan Gravenberch is looking every bit of the talent Ajax to Bayern Munich.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Liverpool target Van Dijk replacement
Despite how well the team have been on the pitch, off the pitch rumours continue to spread at Anfield. With a few months left to end the season, no new contract extension has been announced. Which seems problematic as the trio of Trent, Salah and Van Dijk have been the driving force behind this impressive campaign.
Because of the contract issues, Liverpool have moved all their transfer plans to the summer. This includes potentially having to replace three of their best players in the same window. Football Insider reports that Marc Guehi has popped up on the list on potential defensive recruits. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is also a potential target.
Guehi had a great 2024 where he starred for England at the Euros. The defender is one of the best in the league and is still just 24-years old. Guehi has 18 months left on his current contract with Crystal Palace. He will be free to negotiate a pre-contract in 2026. This might force Palace’s hand to sell him this summer.
Liverpool will not be alone in the race. Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs are very interested in signing the England international.
Reds need to make a decision soon
No one knows what will happen between now and the end of the season, but it might not go well for Liverpool if they continue to drag the contract renewals. The reds need to know where the players stand months before the summer, in order to put things in place early.
Clubs are keenly monitoring the going ons at Anfield. They know the reds will be looking for replacements, which will automatically drive up the asking prices. Liverpool should navigate the latter part of the season very carefully.
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