Liverpool is bracing for the possibility of losing pivotal figures Mohamed Salah, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, and captain Virgil van Dijk at the end of the current season.

As the buzz from the summer transfer window starts to fade, Liverpool’s focus has shifted to crucial contract discussions. The club’s transfer activity was relatively restrained, with only Federico Chiesa arriving and Giorgi Mamardashvili being loaned out to Valencia. Now, the priority is on negotiating new contracts for some of their most vital players.

Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk are all set to enter the final year of their contracts by the end of the season. There is still considerable uncertainty around whether these key players will be offered new contracts or if they will agree to any proposed terms. The risk of them departing as free agents next summer poses a significant challenge for Liverpool, who may face the prospect of these stars negotiating pre-contract deals with overseas clubs starting in January.

Furthermore, Luis Díaz, the Colombian winger, could soon be at the center of contract talks. Díaz, whose current deal extends to 2027, has had the same terms since his transfer from Porto in January 2022. His reported annual salary is €3.5 million (£2.95 million), or about £56,000 per week ($73,600). Given the disparity with some of his teammates’ earnings, Díaz and his representatives might seek a revised contract.

Salah, who was set to become Liverpool’s highest-paid player with a contract extension signed in 2022, earns £350,000 per week ($460,200), with his contract ending next summer. This makes his future a significant concern for the club.

While Liverpool may not be under immediate pressure to extend Díaz’s contract due to the length of his current deal, interest from major clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain could expedite discussions. Díaz has made a strong start to the season, including three Premier League goals and two against Manchester United, strengthening his position for a potential salary increase.

With the futures of Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk hanging in the balance, Liverpool faces critical decisions in the coming months to either secure their commitments or risk losing them on free transfers.