Everyone is talking about Arne Slot's dream start to life at Liverpool. They are top of the Premier League after seven games, with a commanding presence in defence and attack. However, uncertainty over the futures of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk hangs over Anfield.
These are not just three top players, they are three of Liverpool's best and most important players. It's impossible to imagine what the Reds will be like without them next season, but it's a very real possibility.
Liverpool have cut off all information to the outside about contract negotiations. Director of football Richard Hughes refused to disclose the information, insisting that this is a private matter between the club and the players.
But that has left Liverpool fans even more confused and full of speculation. Their feelings were summed up when Salah scored Liverpool's second goal against Bologna last week. The Egyptian striker became the first Reds player to score in five consecutive home Champions League games.
They were very worried after Salah revealed in early September that the "Red Brigade" had not yet made any offers for an extension. In fact, Liverpool did not spend much in the summer transfer window of 2024. So, what is more important than securing the future of the pillars?
Salah is a major concern as he will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from 1 January 2025. With the lure of the Saudi Pro League, the Egyptian striker will certainly be significantly distracted.
Liverpool rejected a £150m bid from Al-Ittihad last year, but the Saudi Arabian side are not stopping there and have even made a more lucrative offer for Salah.
Salah has proven that he can excel in the Premier League and Champions League this season, and this is the aspect that Liverpool will rely on to keep Salah.
Salah loves playing at the highest level, while Jordan Henderson was shocked by the drop in standards when he moved to the Saudi Pro League. Salah’s ego may not accept the drop, despite the tens of millions of pounds he will earn.
Van Dijk, who is currently on £220,000 a week, turns 34 in July next year. Given the Dutchman's influence in the dressing room, it would not be surprising if Liverpool made an offer of at least two years.
Meanwhile, the future of Alexander-Arnold, the club's third-highest earner on £200,000 a week, is as complicated as Salah's.
Arnold has been at the club since he was five and has made no secret of his desire to win as many trophies as possible. The England international could stay at Liverpool and succeed Van Dijk as captain, another of Arnold's ambitions. But the lure of Real Madrid is clearly something the defender will consider.
All Liverpool fans are desperate for answers as time ticks down...
