Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has admitted that it would be a "monumental" achievement if Liverpool chiefs can convince Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold to renew their contracts.
Despite the Reds' impressive start to the season on the field, speculation over the futures of those three key men has dominated discourse away from the action. As things stand, the trio would be free to depart Anfield for nothing at the end of the season as they prepare to enter the final six months of their respective deals.
Amid a stand-off with the club, talisman Salah has admitted that he feels "more out than in" when it comes to whether he will stay on Merseyside beyond the current campaign. That said, the Athletic has now claimed that the Egyptian has now been offered a contract extension by his employers.
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According to that report, fellow Reds stalwarts Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have also received offers from the club over potentially renewing their deals. Now, ex-Premier League mainstay Ferdinand has confessed that he is not expecting all three players to remain at Liverpool after this season.
Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: "If the club can get all three done this will be a monumental moment. The service they've given this club over the years has been tremendous and they're up there with the greats and history of the club. But I can't see them getting all three done. I think Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah will stay if I had to put money on.
"And this is a wonderful opportunity for someone like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has done some wonderful things and won some trophies here, but opportunities like going to Real Madrid don't come around often in your career. He will also never have an easier opportunity to go now. I think he'll find it hard to walk away from that."
Mohamed Salah has been handed a new contract offer by Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has been handed a new contract offer by Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot spoke of Salah's situation last week, saying: "We are hoping and we expect he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us. Mo had a massive impact.
Following speculation that Van Dijk had been offered now terms this week, Slot simply replied: "What do you think the answer’s going to be? 'Your boss is always telling you you have to check. Maybe tell your boss that you always get the same answer so it's a bit boring for the people to listen to the press conference.'
Likewise, Alexander-Arnold has remained coy on his future, insisting that he will not engage in speaking about his contract situation saying in September: "I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say. I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public and this one won't be either."