Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has issued a warning to fans over Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s futures at the club.
The iconic midfielder has expressed his concerns over the possibility of both players leaving for Real Madrid next summer.
With van Dijk now wearing the captain’s armband under Arne Slot and Alexander-Arnold continuing to impress, both can be seen as vital to Liverpool’s continued success.
The only problem? Both players’ contracts expire in June 2025. Without a contract renewal, they could leave the club for free.
Souness insists Liverpool cannot afford to lose Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in the same period.
He said: “Liverpool cannot let three players go, Trent, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
“I could see Trent at Real Madrid, I could see Van Dijk there too,” he added.
VVD x Salah ? pic.twitter.com/Dhj4H2fEVq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 2, 2024
When asked to compare Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger to Van Dijk, Souness said: “He’s a better player than what Real already have with Antonio Rudiger.
“He’s more of a footballer, a better athlete, better in the air and better with the ball. I wouldn’t even compare the two.”
Alexander-Arnold has yet to address his contract situation, although rumours suggest the 25-year-old could be tempted by a move to the reigning Champions League winners.
Van Dijk also remained mum on contract negotiations but remained upbeat, saying he was “very calm” about the situation.
“I’m very calm. I want to have the best possible season,” Van Dijk said.
“I want to stay important this year. Whatever happens next year, we’ll see.”
Salah has also spoken about his future recently and told Sky Sports that no new contract offer has been made, despite his electric start to the season at the club.
“I had a good summer, I had a lot of time to focus on myself and think positively because as you know it’s my last year at the club,” Salah said.
“I just want to enjoy the moment and I don’t want to think about it. But I feel free to play football and we’ll see what can happen next year.”
