Arne Slot's largest job at Liverpool identified as major contract concern is raised
Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer, but Micah Richards has identified an even bigger problem for Reds manager Arne Slot to sort in the coming weeks
Arne Slot has three huge problems to solve at Liverpool in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
The trio have all entered the final year of their respective contracts, and could leave Anfield for nothing next summer if new deals aren't agreed. Salah and Van Dijk are approaching their mid-30s, but both are still vital cogs in Liverpool's team and aren't particularly showing signs of decline yet.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months and it's understood the 25-year-old is open to joining the La Liga giants if his Liverpool future isn't resolved quickly. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, in association with Sky Bet, Micah Richards said the situation was a deeply troubling one for Slot, particularly with it being plonked in his lap just weeks into Anfield tenure.
"It's really concerning, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, have they only got one year left on their deals?" the ex- Manchester City ace asked. Alan Shearer interjected to remind his remind his colleague that Salah was in the same boat, to which Richards replied: "That would be concerning for me. That's the biggest job [Slot] has got to do."
All three players started the Reds' 2-0 opening day win over Ipswich on Saturday, with Salah, 32, scoring one and setting up Diogo Jota for the other. It was Alexander-Arnold's pass that set Salah away for Jota's goal, while Van Dijk, 33, was quietly effective at the back.
Slot is still waiting to make his first signing as Liverpool boss and it's understood the club are looking to bring in two or three players before the transfer window shuts next Friday. A move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi collapsed at the last minute earlier this month, so a new No. 6 remains a priority.
The Reds are also keen to sign another forward, with interest in Newcastle's Anthony Gordon still high. Meanwhile, a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is reportedly close to being finalised, though the Georgia international is expected to remain at the Spanish club on loan this season as part of the agreement.
With the futures of Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold up in the air for the moment, Liverpool could decide to pre-empt any possible departures by signing long-term replacements for one, two or possibly all three of them in the coming days.
In terms of right-backs, the club have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, as well as with Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida, who made 131 appearances for the Eredivisie club under Slot. At centre back, moves for the likes of Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite have been mooted, though the latter may be difficult to secure given the rivalry between the Merseyside clubs.
As for potential Salah replacements, West Ham's Mohammed Kudus is being monitored, as is his team-mate Jarrod Bowen and Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams, among others.
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