Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.
The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.
There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.
As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.
Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.
“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.
“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.
“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.
“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”
With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.
This is despite the imminent arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, with a deal already agreed for the Georgian keeper to join the Reds from Valencia in the summer.
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Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.
talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.
With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.
One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.
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But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.
The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.
The midfield will likely look familiar, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all set to retain their spots.
But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.
Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.
While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
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This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.
Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.
And Fowler has urged his old club to fill this gap by making a sensational move for Newcastle goal machine Alexander Isak.
The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.
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