'He did not play well against Man Utd' - Jurgen Klopp defends Trent Alexander-Arnold and opens door to Red Bull signing Liverpool's out-of-contract trio

Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years at the club, was questioned about the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah - all of whom are into the last six months of their Anfield deals. The German, who spoke at his unveiling as Red Bulls' global head of soccer on Tuesday, admitted the Real Madrid-linked right-back "did not play well" against Manchester United recently but took aim at those criticising him. He also spoke about the soon-to-be out-of-contract trio's chances of being snapped up by a Red Bull team in the future.

He said: "I’m so happy I’m not in charge of that situation and dealing with those questions every week. I would love all three of them to extend their contracts. They do not tell me what is going on. When Virgil is 41 to 44, I’m sure he’d love to play for New York... I’d welcome him with open arms. I’m not sure we could afford to sign Mo. Trent? I still can’t believe that you discuss that he can’t defend. I watched a few press conferences. Oh my God. Yes, he did not play well against Manchester United. Imagine if you made such a fuss of him when he played well as when he did not play well. It would be such a cool planet."

Liverpool are flying high this season, with Arne Slot's team topping the Premier League, impressing in the Champions League, and competing for trophies. But if they lost any of Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, or Salah it would be a big blow for the Reds.

It remains to be seen if Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah will sign a contract extension with Liverpool or if they will head to pastures new in the summer.