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Liverpool's strong season so far under new boss Arne Slot has one particularly large, three-headed shadow cast over it.
A trio of the most important players in their recent history — defender Virgil van Dijk, wide man Trent Alexander-Arnold and forward Mohamed Salah — are out of contract at the end of the season.
January 1, 2025 not only opened the traditional transfer window, but also the window of opportunity for players whose deals are up at the end of that season to negotiate pre-contract agreements for 2025/26 with other clubs.
So, have any of them put pen to paper? Have they confirmed the end of an Anfield run that included ending their 30-year Premier League drought and a sixth European Cup/Champions League?
Here's the latest on all three, as a Spanish report claims Real Madrid feel the only remaining question surrounding them recruiting TAA is 'when'.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool contract latest, interested teams
Real Madrid's interest in TAA is well-documented. And while it appeared at one point that they had given up on attempting a January move to take advantage of his precarious contract situation, reports are now suggesting a second wind is coming.
Now, local paper Marca are confidently reporting that Real view Trent as incoming, with the only remaining question being whether he signs a pre-contract to start with them next season, or if a transfer fee can be negotiated with Liverpool for an immediate switch before the January window closes.
Last week there were reports Bayern Munich are also interested, while Marca mentioned in the same report on Thursday that Madrid are renewing their interest in Bayern's Alphonso Davies this summer.
MORE: Liverpool consider Bayern star as Alexander-Arnold replacement
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool contract latest, interested teams
Salah has been the most outspoken of the three, publicly declaring that Liverpool have not attempted to extend his deal.
The 32-year-old is in fine form this season but his salary and advancing age are the likely combination that is prompting the club to think long and hard about extending his incredible tenure at Anfield.
One club linked with the Egyptian is Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, the current employers of Neymar. With the Brazilian tipped to return to his home country's league, Salah could be the perfect marquee replacement.
And on Thursday The Sun dropped a staggering apparent number for the deal.
Salah is reportedly on the verge of earning a total of £65 million for just two years in Saudi — twice what he earns at Liverpool currently.
The move is being pushed heavily by Turki Alalshikh, the man at the heart of Saudi Arabia's heavy investment in boxing in recent years, who even shared a mock-up of the player in an Al Hilal shirt.
MORE: Liverpool reportedly eye Salah replacement
Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool contract latest, interested teams
And it may not be just Salah heading that way.
Virgil van Dijk, at one point pegged as the one most likely to extend at Anfield, has now been namedropped as potentially following Salah to Al Hilal.
Saudi-based reporter Khaled Qinan told Mega FM: "It is not only Mohamed Salah who will join Al-Hilal Club, but the club has obtained the approval of the Egyptian star and his Dutch colleague Virgil van Dijk.
As things stand, Liverpool appear to have a very real possibility of having to prepare for life without all three. However there remains time for negotiation and changes of heart.
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