Liverpool working 'feverishly' in bid to keep hold of star trio Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk as ex-Reds chief offers update on contract talks

Liverpool are already navigating a transitional period following the departure of long-serving manager Jürgen Klopp in the summer and Arne Slot being tasked with leading the club into a new era. Now, the looming expiry of the trio’s contracts has sparked widespread concern among fans, with many questioning how Liverpool allowed three of their most pivotal players to enter the final months of their deals without resolutions.

Former Liverpool CEO Peter Moore, who served during the club’s Champions League triumph in 2019 and Premier League victory in 2020, shed light on the contract situation. Speaking at Soccerex, Moore compared the current uncertainty to past challenges, recalling the departure of Kevin Keegan in the 1970s and how the club rebounded with the signing of Kenny Dalglish.

"I am old enough to remember Kevin Keegan going to Hamburg, thinking the world was collapsing around us," he said. "Who are we going to give the ball to? Then somebody said we have got this guy from Celtic: [Kenny] Dalglish. I don't know what's going to happen. If it's Trent, it's Virgil, it's Mo. It's hard to imagine any of those leaving Liverpool. Ownership, I know is working feverishly to get deals done, whether it is all three, two of the three, one of the three or none of the three.

"I don't know, but you look at those players and what you do like is that they all seem very dedicated right now. There is no - particularly with those three - taking a game off for some reason. Even in Trent's case, they are the senior citizens. You think about what they offer, and come January, in particular in Trent's case, we will see what happens. But I know ownership is talking with their respective agents - I'm sure feverishly."

While fans hold out hope that all three players will extend their contracts, speculation about potential exits persists. Alexander-Arnold, in particular, has been linked with Real Madrid, with Los Blancos reportedly viewing him as a successor to Dani Carvajal. Meanwhile, Salah has suitors in Saudi Arabia who will be eager to bring the Egyptian to the burgeoning Pro League to add more star power.

Liverpool are currently leading the Premier League standings with a five-point margin over holders Manchester City. They will be back in action against Southampton on Sunday.