Liverpool fans’ concerns over the lack of transfer business conducted in the summer window may very well have abated in the face of a 100% start from the club under Arne Slot.
Nonetheless, critically important work remains for Richard Hughes and Co. in maintaining the core of the side for the long term.
All three of Virgil van Dijk (33), Mo Salah (32) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (25) find themselves on contracts set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Follow Empire of the Kop on Instagram (@empireofthekop) HERE
Thankfully, the Merseysiders are reportedly keen to open talks with all three players in the near future. However, the question remains as to what length of contract should be offered, if at all, to the most senior players of the trio.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano reacts to transfer rumour he’s heard about Liverpool this morning
READ MORE: ‘Tracking’ – Liverpool move for 20-y/o sensation may be more likely after Zubimendi snub
What does an ideal September look like for Liverpool?
Our Egyptian King’s public admission that Liverpool have, thus far, failed to engage in discussions over fresh terms may offer some indication of the order of coming events.
That’s not to suggest discussions won’t also be taking place with our Dutch No.4 or our No.66, of course.
We’d be far from surprised to see a breakthrough officially announced first with Salah this September following a supremely strong individual start to the campaign. A cautious two-year extension would seem the most reasonable and likely outcome from this, provided an agreement can be struck on the financial side of the deal.
From that point on, the next top priority must be handing Trent Alexander-Arnold the most important contract of his footballing career.
Our vice-skipper is, without question, a generational talent – a player who has redefined the fullback role and offers a unique selling point we’d most likely fail to replace.
More to the point, the Scouser lives and breathes Liverpool Football Club. In a similar vein to the Scouse legends of yore, our Academy graduate simply must be allowed to complete his story on the red half of Merseyside.
Allowing him to depart on a free to another European giant – most likely Real Madrid – would be a tragedy beyond comprehension. Not to mention a financial failing of epic proportions.
But we have to go off the signs available. Judging by Trent’s gleeful post-match celebrations after Liverpool’s 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford, he doesn’t look in any rush to cut his time at the club short.
Get it done, Liverpool.
EOTK Close-up with John Welsh: ‘a local lad who lived his dream’ and Slot’s LFC predictions
Virgil van Djk and Salah are more important than Trent. I’m a Liverpool fan and I honestly believe Trent won’t be missed. He won’t even make the Real Madrid match day squad. We live in an are where all English, Australian and American sports star are over-rated. The only world class English player that I have seen in my time watching soccer is Alan Shearer. Trent Alexander is not world class,
I agree I don’t rate trent highly otherwise he would have cemented his place in that England squad. Give Bradley a run in the side and keep VVD great bit of business for Liverpool and get that Spanish lad in January YNWA
Trent has skill, something that needs to be harness in a positive way. Not many players have this and not many coaches can see it nor harness it. England have always been anti Liverpool players for years. Anyway when you play a certain way with team members you can’t expect new players to click of the bat.
VVD since his injury has not been the same. Salah doesn’t tackle doesn’t run to fetch the ball, if not closeby he watches it. UTD game was clear to see. The skill to go past players is not the same as the last 2 years. No doubt maybe another year for him so we can recover some sales, same with VVD. Trent would make an excellent captain the scouser way.
Trent 100%
He is mostly the supplier of balls, crosses to the front and his powerful kicks. He is just chilled with high work rate. Good combo with Salah and Diaz.
Life contract for Trent.
Salah 90%
He still has it in him and he is now playing maturely, not as selfish like before. His speed and rapport with teammates.
Scores per game thus far.
VVD 90%
Strength and body intimidation to opponents.
A tower of Strength 💪 and to win the header for us. Captain my captain. Keep them all while grooming the upcoming talent. The squad is stable , adaptive and coherent .
Keep this winning team and advance on tactics.
I absolutely agree with you. In my opinion, priority should be given VVD. Just because Salah scored for the first three games doesn’t doesn’t mean he would continue to show that stint the whole season. His speed, fast feet, agility, ball control, etc has deteriorated.
I do not believe that liverpool should let Trent ho cause he is very good player and i like the way he play and i thing liverpool should give him a new contract even s life contract he is a lifehood player at his childhood age. So let him stay snd sign a life contract with liverpool
Both are good players and it would be good if they sign new contracts and liverpool should not let each of these players. because us the fans we love what we see in these players and we will never walk alone
Trent 100%
Van Dyk 80%
Salah 50%
Trent must stay for the future of the team
Van Dyk for the strength of the team,, while grooming replacements
Salah is past his peak,, only to recoup something when he goes to Saudi Arabia
I agree with you…Liverpool need Trent…he got that special tactical ability..with the ball ..and with out the ball…and he had the most assist..in the team…So I think Liverpool must keep him…
You seem not to watch salah week in week out
You are fine with salah’s gams
Nor was shearer he was good but not world class Suarez was he had it all shearer was a typical English centre forward. Scored goals yes but not skillful ian rush was better than shearer he did a lot more than just score he defended as well
Shearer was an out and out goal machine remember Clive Allen ? He scored loads but not world class Trent is more skilful than shearer ever was.
Well put, Trent may leave if he feels like only his being English sentiment will be missed
Trent 100%
Van Dyk 80%
Salah 50%
Trent must stay for the future of the team
Van Dyk for the strength of the team,, while grooming replacements
Salah is past his peak,, only to recoup something when he goes to Saudi Arabia
Our best player is passed his peak?
Eh what? The 3 are as just as Important as each other 🤦
No offense bud, but I don’t agree with you at all Trent is a scouser came through our academy, and deserves to stay at Liverpool and leave when he feels ready. He should be allowed to move to Midfield in a similar style like Gareth Bale at Tottenham. He will probably be alot better further up the pitch, admittedly his more of a Rwb than RB as he is more better at offense than defense.
You are very wrong, without Trent we still lack inventive play, he is usually the reason for our good attack. All three must be signed.
Must you always comment Rubbish just to prove how lowly you think..
If you are truly a Liverpool fan then you must be a foolish one not to know Trent’s Potentials..
I agree. Trent is not world class. His defensive power is poor actually. He is only when going up and cross the ball.
Trent is a very good and talent player and I dont think that anyone should try to discredit any player at all. All are doing their best regardless of the club or country that they are frlm.
So in short you are saying that 33 and 32 year olds are more important than Arnold, who is just 25?
You didn’t watch Gerrard, Foden, Scholes, Lampard, Bellingham, preety much all the 2003 England rugby team, Radcliffe to name a few? What a completely stupid comment you have made
Absolutely true
Thats a weird take and am going to have to disagree with you there, there have been plenty of England players that have / had World class ability and notoriety. Names that spring to mind, that other players from other countries are on record of calling world class or lauding of abilities are;
– Paul Scholes
– Steven Gerrard
– Rio Ferdinand
– Wayne Rooney
– David Beckham
– Harry Kane
– Kyle Walker
– Michael Owen
– John Terry
These are all established world class players hell one of them won the Ballon d’Or.
Players of today that can easily make an argument for that status are Trent Alexander Arnold, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.
Just because an international manager is poor and doesn’t know how to use a players skill set and refuses to attack, doesn’t mean the player is poor.
Scholes ahead of Gerrard my bollox
Trent is equally as important as Salah in the team, a new contract for Trent should be considered knowing he is only 25 and already with world class experience at his age.
It’s premature thinking to consider Trent a Just player.
Renew VVJ and SALAH for 2 seasons and give Trent new contract, I think they can help to blend the youngsters
Give Trent the most lucrative contract which he rightfully deserves. Why the delay. He’s the best player at Liverpool right now
NO PLAYER GIVES HIS 100% IN EVERY MATCH.OUR MEMORY SEEMS TO BE SHORT,HOW CAN WE QUICKLY FORGET TRENT’S KILLER PASSES THAT WON MATCHES .HE WAS AMAZING,NAY ;HIS IS .THAT INSTINCT HASN’T EVAPORATED,I THINK ARNE NEEEDS TO DO IS TO HELP HIM GET BACK TO THAT FIERY FORM; FULLY.
We need to keep this team intact, they are united. let’s support them like we always do. Two more season’s for both VVD n Salah and 10yrs for Anorld or even life.
It is a hot topic so far. The crucial concerns is to assess how the current team will be impacted (whether least or most) if either one / two or both (VVD, Salah and TAA) leaves next season.
Can either of them been easily replaced and at what costs?
I wish and I hope the club can reach an agreement seemingly and keep both of them.
I agree: 2 more years for VVD and Salah, 10 or more years for TAA!
The numbers speak by themselves for many seasons. You don’t get those numbers from everyone