With just nine games remaining in the Premier League season, Liverpool’s run-in has taken on an emotional weight beyond the title race.
Reports from Spain suggest that Virgil van Dijk could be playing his final matches in a Liverpool shirt, with Barcelona preparing to offer him a contract this summer.
If that weren’t enough, Mohamed Salah’s future remains uncertain, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to leave for Real Madrid.
What was once unthinkable is now a looming reality as three of Liverpool’s greatest players of the modern era could depart in the same summer.
Barcelona’s interest in van Dijk
According to Fichajes, Barcelona see van Dijk as the ideal defensive leader to reinforce their backline under Hansi Flick.
With Andreas Christensen and Eric García likely to leave and Ronald Araújo’s future in doubt, the Dutchman has become a priority target for the Blaugrana. Reportedly, the plan is to offer him a two-year deal, though financial constraints mean van Dijk would need to accept a reduced salary.
The question is whether he would be tempted by the challenge of La Liga or if his future still lies at Anfield.
Liverpool’s massive dilemma
Despite the speculation, Liverpool have yet to remove the uncertainty surrounding van Dijk’s future.
His contract situation remains unresolved, just like Salah’s, leaving the club facing a pivotal summer of transition. While there is still hope that a new deal could be agreed, the lack of progress has fuelled rumours that this could be the end of an era.
Letting van Dijk walk away for free would be a significant loss – not just in defensive quality but in leadership.
Since his arrival in 2018, he has been the backbone of a team that conquered England and Europe. His presence on the pitch, his aura in the dressing room, and his ability to command a backline have been unparralleled.
A farewell tour at Anfield?
With the Premier League title race hanging in the balance, Liverpool fans now have even more reason to savour every remaining game.
Each towering header, every perfectly timed interception, and every moment of composure from van Dijk could be one of his last in a Liverpool shirt.
If this is truly the end of his time at Anfield, he will leave as one of the club’s all-time greats. But for now, there is still work to do.
Liverpool have a title to win, and van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold still have the chance to end their legendary Liverpool journeys with one final triumph.