As the season draws closer to an end, the future of Liverpool is still up for discussion.
It felt like an era ended last year. Jurgen Klopp left Anfield alongside his assistant coach Pep Lijnders. In previous seasons, Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino had also left the club. Liverpool were set for a new era. Eredivisie winner Arne Slot was appointed as new head coach for the 2024/25 season.
Many Liverpool fans did not know what to expect from the Dutchman, but he has surpassed all expectations. The reds are in contention for all trophies this season, despite adding one first team player in the summer. Liverpool’s success on the pitch was supposed to be the story of the season.
However, the looming exit of three of the club’s biggest players continues to threaten the atmosphere at Anfield.
Quiz: Can you name these 10 former Premier League players?
Liverpool make last ditch attempt at securing new deal
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Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are set to be out of contract this summer. The trio have yet to sign new deals as of this month. Rumours have speculated that all three may leave the club. Salah has made it clear that he could stay if the club match his demands. Van Dijk is determined to end the season, before making any statements. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the one who is most likely to leave, having entered talks with Real Madrid last month.
Liverpool are set to make a last attempt at convincing the England international to stay at the club. AS report that the reds will use Trent’s connection to the club to convince him to stay. The 26-year old came from the Liverpool academy and idolized Steven Gerrard. The club are hoping the sentiment, and the possibility of winning the quadruple this season would be enough to persuade him.
Trent said himself that his motivation now is to be the ‘best’ in world football:
“I think cementing a legendary status within football, whether or not it’s recognised in five years or not, I think what I do between now and five years will be, potentially in 15, 20 years time… I’ll look back and I think these five years will cement a legendary status in football [for me].”
Will this strategy work?
Multiple reports have speculated that Trent wants to leave because he has achieved everything possible and wants a new challenge. If Liverpool want to keep him at Anfield, they will have to do more than convince him of his roots. Trent wants to be the best in the world, the club need to show him that they can build a team of that level. And ultimately, Liverpool will have to pay him on that level too.
