Liverpool face the challenge of agreeing terms with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk to extend their deals and Rio Ferdinand believes one will be tempted to leave
Rio Ferdinand speaking on his podcast
Rio Ferdinand speaking on his podcast (
Image: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Rio Ferdinand believes Liverpool could lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to the draw of Real Madrid, despite making a breathrough with Mohamed Salah.
The Reds duo, in addition to Virgil van Dijk, are set to see their contracts expire at the end of the season. In January, Arne Slot will see his stars become available to discuss their futures with other clubs as they enter the final six months of their deals.
After speaking publically about his lack of offer, Salah is now believed to be on the brink of signing a new two-year contract to end any doubts about his Anfield future. Ferdinand reckons extending the stays of all three players will be a mammoth task though.
The former Manchester United defender has particular doubts about the future of Alexander-Arnold. While Salah and Van Dijk are entering the final stages of their careers, Ferdinand believes a move to the Bernabeu could be seen as a significant step for Alexander-Arnold.
"If the club can get all three done it will be a monumental moment," Ferdinand said on TNT Sports. "(They are) huge talents who have the service they have given is tremendous.
"They are up there with the greats but I can't see them getting all three done. I think Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will stay, (but) this is an opportunity for someone like Trent, to go to Real Madrid.
"A club like that, they don’t come around often and the way it is coming around, he will never have an easier opportunity than now, so he will find it hard (to stay)."
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) speaks with Liverpool's English defender #66 Trent Alexander-Arnold (R) after he leaves the game injured, during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 9, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Steve McManaman, who made the switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid during his own career, agrees with Ferdinand's assessment. The former winger believes that securing the signatures of Salah and Van Dijk are critical to Slot's team however.
"Now it is the spine which is Van Dijk and Mo," McManaman added. "It is going to be impossible to replace all three, but it's important to nail down Mo and Virgil.
"Trent it is down to him. With Mo and Virgil, they are at an age they still want to play high class and probably have fewer options. I think it will be easier."
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