Liverpool is facing a crucial decision involving two of their most influential players — Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah. With the title well within reach and Premier League betting online backing them to finish the job, the focus is already shifting to next season and the expectation of a title defence.
But with news that Alexander-Arnold is leaving, it becomes even more important for the club to hold onto both Van Dijk and Salah. Losing one would be a setback — losing all three could turn the summer into a crisis.
Alexander-Arnold’s exit will hurt, but Liverpool can likely find a capable replacement. It’ll cost, but it’s a hit they can manage. The real concern is what happens if Van Dijk or Salah — or both — follow him out the door.
A Risky Rebuild on the Horizon
However, if one of Virgil van Dijk or Mo Salah were to join Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit, or, god forbid, both of them, it would mean the club would have to replace Arne Slot’s three most important players in a matter of weeks. Lose Van Dijk, and you lose their leadership and the calmness he brings to the backline and the dressing room. Lose Salah, and you lose his goals and assists.
Being able to acquire suitable replacements for Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah will be hard enough, and these players would need time to settle and get used to playing for Liverpool. If they’ve come from abroad, they’d also need time to adjust to the Premier League. It’s far from an ideal scenario, and that’s even before you consider the financial implications.
The problem for Liverpool is that Alexander-Arnold is leaving on a free transfer to Real Madrid, so there will be no transfer fee coming in for the right-back who has come through the ranks at the club. If either Van Dijk or Salah or both were to leave, they’d also be leaving on free transfers, so again, there would be no money being paid for their services.
Short-Term Contracts Could Provide Stability
Therefore, Liverpool is going to have to splash the cash for an Alexander-Arnold replacement, and then they could be forced to spend to replace Van Dijk, Salah, or both, too. With all three world-class footballers, it would cost north of £100 million to replace all three, likely considerably more than that.
However, if Liverpool were able to agree contract extensions with Van Dijk and Salah, even on two-year deals, it would give the club time to seek out replacements so when their respective times at Anfield come to an end, there’s no panic and no requirement for huge spending all in one window.
Also, Van Dijk and Salah have been two of the best players in the Premier League this season, especially Salah, who has posted unbelievable numbers on the goals and assists front. Liverpool would be in a much stronger position with them both still in the team next season.
Main Takeaway
Liverpool can’t afford to lose Van Dijk and Salah this summer — keeping them, even on short-term contracts, is crucial to avoid a chaotic, expensive rebuild following Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
