Match of the Day pundit confirms major Arne Slot concern just one game into season

Arne Slot has three massive problems to solve, and he needs to act fast. Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all in the final 12 months of their respective contracts, and Liverpool could lose them all for free next summer if new deals aren’t agreed.

Despite both creeping into their mid-30s, Salah, 32, and Van Dijk, 33, are vital cogs in Liverpool’s first team and have shown little sign of decline. Similarly, Alexander-Arnold, 25, has been a mainstay in the side for years but has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months.

Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Micah Richards said the situation was a troubling one for Slot, particularly with it coming so early on in his Anfield career. “It’s really concerning,” the ex-Manchester City ace said.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, have they only got one year left on their deals?” Richards asked, leading Alan Shearer to chime in by reminding his colleague that Salah was in the same boat.

Richards then added: “That would be concerning for me. That’s the biggest job [Slot] has got to do.”

All three players started Liverpool’s 2-0 opening weekend win over Ipswich Town, with Salah scoring one and assisting the other. It was Alexander-Arnold’s pass that set Salah away for Diogo Jota’s goal, while Van Dijk was quietly imposing at the back.

Slot is yet to make his first signing as Liverpool boss, and it’s believed the club are aiming to secure two or three players before the transfer window closes next Friday. A deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi fell through at the last minute earlier this month, so a new No. 6 remains a priority.

The Reds are also interested in adding another forward to their ranks, with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon still on their radar. Meanwhile, a move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is reportedly nearing completion, although the Georgia international is expected to stay at the Spanish club on loan this season as part of the agreement.

With the futures of Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold currently uncertain, Liverpool may choose to act swiftly by securing 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 Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida, who played 131 games for the Eredivisie club under Slot. At centre back, potential moves for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have been suggested, 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 watched, as is his team-mate Jarrod Bowen and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, among others.